Feedback from passengers

The Airport Authority takes no responsibility for the content of
messages posted here. This service is for the benefit of airport users
who wish to express their views or share helpful information with
each other. Questions or comments posted on this page will not receive
a response from airport staff. To contact the airport please see the
Contact page.

valentina imparato (Copenhagen, Denmark)

Tue, 15 Jan 2019, 6:47 pm

terrible experience.
my intention to accuse the unfriendliness and inappropriate attitude of the Ryanair ground hostess and the responsible and tto accuse their unprofessional behavior.
I am a frequent flyer, and I have never experienced such unprofessionalism in the customer attandance and proper manner. Especially Hostess El Marzouki (n• 13065) unpleasantly and unfriendly attended us, with no eye contact talked rudely to us that without respect and with unpleasant poker face.
I will never come back to Marrakesh airport.

Michele Provost (micheleprovost@hotmail.co.uk)

Fri, 11 Jan 2019, 3:04 pm

I fly through Marrakech airport on a regular basis, and sadly the frustrating delays and long queues at passport control (both ways) are true. I now leave in plenty of time, at least three hours to minimise problems and avoid a stressful departure.

On flying out on my last occasion, I had a large box to place in the hold. I carefully checked on line with EasyJet that it was acceptable (weight and dimensions) to fit in the hold. Unfortunately it would not fit through the scanners at the airport. This was not the airports fault. However, it would be worth noting on the Easyjet website so that people are aware of the maximum dimensions of items that can clear a scanner.

I then faced an hour waiting at the entrance so that the box could be checked by two airport dogs and their police handlers.

I was finally allowed through to the check in desk. The ground desk tried to help and were apologetic, but due to regulations they could not allow the box on to the plane. Lots of advice was given, but the only solution (a further hour later) was to unpack the items and wrap them in plastic. Not the best solution as the items were fragile lamps.

At this point I was approached by Samir from the Easyjet ground staff. He immediately took control and called EasyJet in London to confirm that the plane was unusually larger than normal and that they would accept the large box.

Samir then kindly called the airport police to check all the contents and confirm that all the items within the box were safe. He then personally waited for the box to be repacked and delivered it to be placed on the plane.

Everyone that helped me was extremely polite, and Samir went above and beyond the call of duty. I will forever grateful to him and his team for finding a solution to my dilemma at a busy time.

Thank once again for all your help it was greatly appreciated.

Pavlina (Czech Republic)

Tue, 27 Nov 2018, 10:28 am

Menara Airport is really beautiful building. Morocco in general wants to attract more and more tourists - and its great. Every year there is more and more destinations, great deals....But - immigration part is without any change (I am flying two or three times a year from 2012). Who wants to spend hours in the queue? And its the same on arrival and departure....
You should modernise the system if you want to have more visitors. People are sharing their experiences and feelings from traveling. This is not good promotion of Morocco in general and the first impression is very bad - Airport is the fist place you see in the country.
What about electronic system? E-visa or something like that? Everything what we need to fill to boarding card can be done in advance in e-system. Another ridiculous think is that we have to print out boarding passes. How and where you want to do that if you come directly from desert for example???

C.K.Rasmussen (Switzerland)

Fri, 23 Nov 2018, 6:19 pm

We use this Airport two times and I was impressed by its modern and cleaness. We like that Airport and we respect the way Morrocco wants to controll passengers which want to visit the country. Also the way back we found pretty understandable. It is for all safetiness. In our opinion there is no reason to complain, because it is for safety reasons.

Tim (United Kingdom)

Sat, 17 Nov 2018, 10:37 am

Appalling queues at immigration, 2 hr + waiting. Simply not enough passport control staff or booths. If you forget to fill out the immigration paper with your details and where you are staying, it's back of the queue. I read that King Mohammed VI wants more tourism to Morocco - well he needs to sort out Menara immigration and improve it vastly. These ridiculous queues are putting people off going again to this wonderful city and country.

david marshall (United Kingdom)

Mon, 5 Nov 2018, 11:34 am

Just to add our up-to-date voice to the overwhelming tone of previous reviews, which the airport seems unwilling/unable to do anything about: a beautifully dramatic airy building, but queue at immigration was completely unacceptable: the worst i've ever encountered in 35 yrs of flying regularly all around the world! It took us 3.5 hours to get from back of queue to an immigration officer's kiosk: he was obviously doing his best, but they need so many more staff to cope with the number of passengers. Such was the level of extreme frustration amongst the huge hall of passengers that a slow hand-clap was regularly started up (i've seen that at football matches but never in an airport before!). Not sure whether this appalling service is a deliberate ploy by the airport to force people to pay the €50 each to go 'Fast-Track', but even it had a massive queue!!! To make matters worse, there is no one policing the end of the queue, so when a new plane-load of passengers arrives, they try to jump ahead of passengers who have already been waiting for ages in the corridor outside the hall! Meantime, there are lots of airport staff hanging around watching the queue & making vague attempts to help people with kids or elderly passengers, but not really stopping the bluffers who are too self-important to queue properly. This certainly needs sorted out if Morocco are to stand any chance of hosting 2026 World Cup.

Dr Majeed (UK)

Sat, 3 Nov 2018, 10:52 am

Hi
My sons black rucksack with 2 ipads inside it was taken from the prayer room at approximately 5 pm yesterday evening. It also contained a chomecast device, a charger and pens. The ipad mini had a light blue cover, and the ipad 5 had a grey cover on it. We reported to the security as the cleaner saw a man wearing a red shirt and white trouser walk out of the prayer room with the bag. The security man and cleaner walked around the airport looking for the man but said there was no CCTV footage. We erent given a claim/report number despite asking for it. If the bag is found would you let us know please. The ipad has my sons GCSE work on it.

Ruth Banister (UK)

Fri, 26 Oct 2018, 7:29 am

You fly in efficiently, get off the plane, walk the concourse and are met - - by a massive passport queue. Welcome to Marrakech. You snake slowly forward, hours tick by. Finally you get to the head of the queue and there's one man, looking very important, directing you forward to stand just in front of a customs man. Finally it's your turn! You step forward and - nothing. No hello, no smile, nothing. The man is doodling something. Must be something important you think. But then you see, it's just a doodle. Slowly he lifts his head, looks past you, takes your passport nonchalantly, asks some unintelligible questions, repeats it, you answer, he flips through every page of your passport, slowly stamps it and hands it back. Never once did he look at you. You look left and see exactly the same thing is happening to your young daughter.

Finally, finally! you are through. Only, there's another man waiting, and another queue so he can check everyone's passport!

For God's sake, what a performance. And, I saw they are bidding for the 2026 World Cup. Sort your airport out!

All this gets repeated to re-enter the airport meaning you get no time to visit the shops on the other side because you'll probably be running to catch your plane having spent another hour or two in the queue to get back in!

R papapi (Usa)

Sun, 21 Oct 2018, 2:42 pm

It is a shame that the immigration process is so slow at Marrakech Airport arrival. We were excited about visiting Marrakech but 4hrs in the queue is a terrible waste of time. Time we could have spend seeing the city and doing some shopping. This is also a big deterrent to visit this place again. Why don’t they add more people. The officers came and checked the lines - line are going out of the area. But they do nothing! To improve tourism the authorities have to make this a faster process.

AT (UK)

Sun, 14 Oct 2018, 3:34 pm

This place is disgusting i was honestly horrified at how you are treated at passport control!! i was asked numerous times where is your father originally from and my family members were also harassed with ridiculous questions. Its like they cant believe you can be a coloured person with a British passport. Born and raised in the UK but they wanted to know what other language we spoke?? this is madness have been to plenty of other airports around the world and never been treated like this what world are they living in racist passport control which is ironic because they are all brown them self!! disgusting will never visit morocco again because of this vile behaviour.

Paula

Sun, 7 Oct 2018, 12:03 pm

I would like to say that this airport is the worst place in the world, service is absolately inefficient, poor customer service, long queues without any control, more than two hours waiting for passport control. The most unbelievable thing is the fast track, you pay 50 euros per person in order to avoid the normal.queue but please don pay it!!!@ fast track is even slower than the standard one and the workers are laughing in front your face when you are complaining.

Jacob Smith (United Kingdom)

Sat, 29 Sep 2018, 7:44 am

I'm sure that my comments will echo pretty much every other one here, so I will try and keep it short.
The airport has a beautiful design, a bit reminiscent of Kuala Lumpur for me. However the service was downright appalling. I didn't so much as mind the constant passport checks, but it made everything so inefficient and once a member of staff didn't even bother to check when I had my partners passport and boarding pass accidentally.
The embarkment forms are pointless, all the data will be on computers for checks and auditing.
Finally, we were served at passport control by one Mustapha Demnati and when I stepped up to the desk he was blatantly browsing through videos on his phone without a care in the world. I eventually had to do clear my throat to get him to stop and actually serve me. Avoid this airport if you can

Thomas McPherson (London)

Mon, 13 Aug 2018, 10:36 am

The building is nice. That's where the positives end. We were treated very poorly throughout. We had to present our passports over a dozen times on our way through security, often within clear sight of the last person who checked our passports.
On the way into the airport at the security check the security offices was jovially shouting "TITTIES YES!" At my partner who was in front of me. When she went to pass through security he held his hands our so that she couldn't walk past without him touching her and she had to push past. He then shouted the same thing at me, all the while saying "it's good yes!"
He did the same to the couple behind us. Staff were unfriendly and unhelpful throughout and when we approached an information desk we were greeted with blank states as the airport information person tore himself away from YouTube on his phone. He could not provide a point of contact and had to phone someone for a customer support number.

The airport is modern, light and airy and you would assume has modern and efficient processes to match but it does not. Upon arrival at RAK, Passport checks were 2hrs. Customs staff have no sense of urgency or efficiency. Be prepared to queue. Upon departure, even though we had checked-in online, we were refused entry to the gate and told to go to the check-in desks and get our boarding passes stamped, more queuing. At the gate, more security and more queuing and then Passport control where again, the staff have no sense of urgency, no efficiency and the queue moves very slowly. Our gate had closed and we were still in the queue but the staff still wouldn't allow us to be processed quicker. We made our flight but witnessed others stressing to get to their planes in time.

I hate Morocco and its airport (A much better place)

Sat, 23 Jun 2018, 12:09 pm

Morocco and its airport are the worst place on a earth. People (especially police officers) are corrupt. They bribed my tour guide in front of me! At the airport they confiscate items they say are illegal such as drones but they let you enter them to the country and then, on departure, they keep it. Those bastards probably sell confiscted items! DO NOT GO to that place, Morocco is shit!!!! And its airport sucks!

Ella Anthont (England)

Thu, 21 Jun 2018, 6:44 pm

Upon entering the airport we had to put our bags through security and show passports. No problem except when got through I found the contents of my handbag had been tipped on the floor next to th guy he king the bags. Picked up all my bits and didn’t think anything of it. While in line to check in a fella came over and was telling my partner to go over to the police, getting quite agitated. My partner checked his pockets and nothing missing so we said not us. The fellow who was in an airport uniform then came over with MY wallet which had been secured in my bag. It was only when I went to pay for something later I discovered 200DH had been stolen from my wallet, the last of my Moroccan money. I am disgusted by this behaviour and appalled that airport staff are doing it. Utterly utterly abhorrent behaviour Marrakech Airport.

Dimitry (Russia)

Fri, 1 Jun 2018, 6:35 pm

I travel a lot around the world and I can say - Marrakech airport has one of the most beautiful terminals but at the same, surprisingly, it is the most unpleasant place to be. Experience that you would love to forget and never think about it anymore. The stuff is very unfriendly and not helpful at all. When I was there at the first time couple of months ago lady at the check-in desk just told me - "you are not on this flight" despite I had a ticket. And then told me to call to the airline and didn't offer any help. I took nearly one hour to solve this by phone and I nearly missed the plane. On my second visit to this airport they opened the gate and started boarding but the aircraft was not ready. As a result we had to stay inside the jetbridge for half an hour. And on top of all that - everything is really slow. So my advice - make sure that you are at the airport at least 3 hours in advance and be prepared to talk to people who are not nice to you.

Paula Mellon (United Kingdom)

Sat, 26 May 2018, 5:58 pm

Lovely modern airport, but the queueing is in the Stone Age. It takes 3 hours to get inside and to your plane. It's absolutely awful. I've travelled all around the world, and this is absolutely the worst.

The staff are slow, couldn't care less, and they are severely understaffed. You queue and queue and queue for everything. It's awful.

Salah tayour (Nederland)

Fri, 25 May 2018, 10:54 am

Good morning,
I like to start with to give a complement about the nice design off the looking airport. It’s really so beautiful, but is not like the man who’s working in the smal snackbar next till gate 8.
The man is so aggressive and he was blackmail me at this time. I was going to a policeman and he told me If i want to make an official complaine about him, i was going to miss my flight.
This is not how you treat passengers and it’s not acceptable!

Badri (UK)

Tue, 22 May 2018, 2:21 pm

I was at Marrakech airport 3 hours and 45 minutes before my flight's departure. That’s the time it took me to check-in and go through security and customs , If I spent 10 minutes more I would have missed my plane,and I have witnessed people missing theirs.
Customs are taking too long to process passports its unbelievable!! Duty free and restaurant were almost empty cause everyone was rushing trying to reach their departure gates - which is a shame for them as they loosing big money being spent there!!
The Airport is nice and clean, ground floor staff were helpful, but everything is slow. There is a Need to modernise customs I hope airport Management are looking at the customer feedback page and taking some actions.

Sukhwinder Nash (Uk)

Thu, 17 May 2018, 3:17 pm

I have travelled to alot of airports and I have never felt so discriminated against whilst travelling. First of all there are massive queues for getting into the building, stamping the boarding pass, customs and passport control. I understand all these procedures are necessary however, I felt very very discriminated against being British as staff pushed any customers wearing headscarfs/ Muslims right at the front of the long queues like my time wasn't as precious as theirs. I tried to ask a member of staff why this was happening and he just walked away. Luckily me and my husband arrived at the airport at 6am (to get breakfast) and our gate closed at 9:25 but we didn't get through until 9:00. We just about had time to get something to eat. What made the process long was because of staff putting people they liked at the front of the queue. Everyone's time is precious. And I want to know how the airport can get away with acting this way? I had a lovely time in Morocco and it was our first time but the airport experience has made me not want to ever come back. If this happened in the UK it would be considered racist and this is How the staff at the airport have made me feel. Please let me know what you will do to not make anyone else feel this way. We are all human and deserve to be treated equal!!!!!

Guenther Borg

Thu, 17 May 2018, 6:32 am

Check in and security check for departue were a disaster. Plan enough time in advance to your flight as queuing systems are neither efficient nor adapted appropriately.
Check in counters were displaying the wrong airlines and flights. Passenger queues were newly opened next to existing queues. Hence, waiting time was prolonged as the new queue was merged with existing queues. So if you are lucky, it is possible to overtake many others waiting longer than you and make new enemies.
Staff at check in and security didnt seem to be able to handle the amount of passengers and service was rather impolite. Important to mention that some staff was really nice!

Davida (USA)

Thu, 10 May 2018, 12:14 pm

My family and I missed out flight because of the inefficiency, lack of appropraite signage, unconcerned employees and various security checks . We missed our plane and had to buy new tickets( air france was great)! We had no problem arriving at your airport ( from London) but departing was a disaster! The employees are very unhelpful and dont seem to care about passengers concerns. Also, many of the airline stations are unmanned! I couldn't find anyone helpful to talk to! I will be filing an informal complaint with the airline I was to fly out with and airport administration. I want to return but I am very leery since this airport is poorly run!
D.Robinson

Siham khalid (England)

Thu, 3 May 2018, 8:50 pm

I went to morrocco for the first time after 10 years, at the entrance during the check of the suitcases wax a policeman about 1.69 cm lean high and age 30 plus, dark hair told me to put the suitcase and take a step forward, I took a step forward and she traccincinated me with her hands telling me come forward morein aggressive way, I've never had such a sharp experience, up to now I can not understand how they work so abrupt people like that in contact with people, not seen any smile from them completely rubbish behaviour, I am still socket.
I found the cleaners people very kind and friendly and some people during the checkin thats all I hope you will do something about it, its not nice how people work there.
I went back to UK where all people were nice and smiley from the police men to the cleaner, and I was so happy with that.

Arctander (Norway)

Sat, 7 Apr 2018, 10:28 pm

Today we arrived at the AirPort with a lot of plains arriving at the same time. The ques for the passport control was long but moved on quite quikly. In the end you choose which controlkiosk to line up for. The line next to outsidere went quickly with to very efficient officers. But our line practically stod still. Policeman with the number 61314 was practically not working. He left for a while and came slowly walking back, starting some discussin with colleges before taking up his work again, while he looked at the quue. In fact he was so unconsentrated that he real the number in my passport, tried to conversate with the other policemen, and forfot the number again, and had tto read again before punching tje number in. This repeated several times during his check of my Passport. He used at least three times longer time than his colleges. I have never seen such incompetence and deep lack of interest in doing a job and helping People. Everything Else went well and the AirPort is really nice.

Katharina (Germany)

Fri, 30 Mar 2018, 6:02 pm

We arrived with a hired car at Marrakesch Airport. There were no signs outside the airport, so that we did't know where to know where to leave the car. That cost us time and money, since we went to the wrong parking first and had to pay the fees. Could you please attach new signs with the car company names, so that it is easier to find for the passengers? Thanks a lot.

My name is ADEWUMI Adegbola James.
I need your able assistance to get my phone lost phones at the security screenning check in morroco.
i board a flight(Royal airmarroc) from orly airpot in France, destination Nigeria.
i drop the phone on the screenning check area while rushing us to baord the next flight to nigeria. A lots of documment on this phone hence i needed your ables assist to get the phones,
Samsung S8(Black) with transaprent case and a nokia phone(Black).
This has been reported at the office of Royal airmarroc in Nigeria.
Thanks for your able assistance to retrive this phones

AWA BOLDEN (France)

Thu, 25 Jan 2018, 12:23 pm

I want to warn you about goldcar rental agency that is bringing your beautiful airport and reputation down. Here is our situation.

1.0
4 reviews
GOOGLE REVIEWS
Most helpful
Awa Bolden
Awa Bolden
60 reviews · 40 photos
in the last week
Worse agency that ever existed. 1 star is too much. We rented a car from them via sncf now ouisncf. We were told that there was a desk at the terminal,. Not true, their abandoned office is actually OUTSIDE the airport in a very dark and dangerous part of the city. We arrived around 22h30 that night to retrieve our rental, no one to greet us, no one answered the phone, we ended up taking a taxi to our hotel. The next day we tried calling from our hotel, no one answered us, we went to the address listed on our contract to find a note with phone number on the door. We didn't have a local telephone so we asked the taxi driver to help us call. Finally someone answered and asked us to wait in front of the office, they will come to pick us up. After almost 1 hour under the sun, no one came, so we decided to go to the airport to see if someone was there. Arrived at the airport, still no counter and no signs of goldcar. We asked the people at hertz to help us call them, they answered and the gentleman of the phone told us that he was sleeping because he is tired from working a night shift, so to keep waiting in front of the abandoned office or cancel if we wanted to. So our 4 days in morroco turned into a nightmare. 60 euros of internet cost, no car, taxis etc to be able to move around etc. All and all over 400 euros of extra expenses because of this so called company. We filled a claim with the sncf or ouisncf who is now playing a game game with us. I will not rest until we are paid back and that this trash of a company is closed. A nightmare, never ever rent from this company. NEVER. Not worth it at all. If you are interested in filling a class action lawsuit contact me.
As you can see when you Google goldcar, there is a problem. Please take this problem seriously, this is not good news for your beautiful airport and country. Thanks very much

Zizo

Wed, 3 Jan 2018, 1:02 am

Modern facilities with very poorly trained staff and bad attitude and horrible characters. Police. Customs and baggage check in employees are by far the worst miserable and nasty I have ever seen.

R.BE (European UNION)

Sun, 31 Dec 2017, 4:47 pm

COMPARING to AGADIR, a very modern Airport with all it`s conveniences......Forget all the bad comments, everybody is responsible on it`s own, inform yourself, give enough time, and don`t fly with LOW-COST-CARRIERS, than it will be a pleasure to be a passenger at Marrakech AIRPORT, I always fly with AUSTRIAN AIRLINES to RAK and it`s such a Pleasure again and again,looking foward to be a guest in January 2018 again......thanks to SWISSPORT-STAFF and all the staff at RAK-AIRPORT, one of the nicest one in the world, architecture-wise......anything else depending upon it`s own :) !!!! HAPPY NEW YEAR......regards to RAK-STAFF and all the lovely People in this beautiful Country :) !!!! REGARDS GKFM. RB

J. Nuruwe

Mon, 13 Nov 2017, 11:06 am

Dear Sirs,

is there a official canal/email adress where I can send you my complaint. Last Saturday I missed my flight because of the inefficiency at the airport and the security controls , which we had to go through several times. Finally we missed the plane and had to buy new tickets !

Greg Zur (Poland)

Fri, 10 Nov 2017, 11:49 am

Hello, I was at your airport last week flying back to Krakow, Poland by Ryanair. I had big trouble finding my destination on the departure information monitors around the terminal. It is because you displayed 'John Paul II' (rarely used airport name) as the destination instead of 'Krakow' (commonly used city name). Please do not confuse people - use Krakow not John Paul II, especially that there is only one airport in Krakow so it cannot be confused! Thanks!

ROBERTO BELLI

Tue, 7 Nov 2017, 7:58 pm

Goodmoring,
I have one question: when I arrived I have to write a paper for enter in Marocco. This is normal.The question is : why you don't put some pens? I asked to the person that have the mansion to refill the paper and he answer to me that him has not one.
If you put and the people stolen it, use a string. Other write everywhere that if you have not a pen, you cannot enter in Marocco.

Regards
Roberto Belli
Robbelli@gmail.com
P.s. I'd prefer to send you a private mail,but thè airport has not a mail address.why?

Junedul Islam (London)

Thu, 26 Oct 2017, 8:28 pm

None of the staff are ever smiling, everyone is so miserable like the Camel's in Morocco.

Discrimination from one individual, she swore at my family and threatened to take out passports away from us. I have never been so disrespected in my life and because of this I WILL NEVER COME BACK TO MOROCCO EVER AGAIN!!!!!

Danel (Switzerland)

Sat, 7 Oct 2017, 10:38 am

We really love the new airport: Much better than before. But that there is no smoking area, not even an terrasse outside, after you passed the security check, is kinda strange. Also when you arrive, that baggage should come much faster. And the employees should check, when there is laugguage on priority status and should handle it accordingly

Sue Davey (UK)

Wed, 20 Sep 2017, 1:46 pm

Excellent experience at the this airport. very speedy arriving and departing. Everyone, without exception, was helpful, pleasant, polite, in fact very professional. Take time to appreciate the artwork and decorations in the stunning new terminals. Arrive in good time for departure allowing time to enjoy the new departure lounge airside. Discovered that despite being told otherwise beforehand, most areas take Dirhams and/or Euros - only exception seemed to be the main Duty Free shop.

MHolopainen (Finland)

Tue, 12 Sep 2017, 2:38 pm

I have never been cheated at any airport earlier. But in Dufry Maroc Sarl. I was. I was tired and gave to cashier (Amine Ramzi at the receipt) 260 dirhams. The item cost 6 euros. And he said that I have to pay more 2 euros. So I paid for six euros item almos 30 euros. I noticed that later and my flight was leaving. Never back to that shop.

T Williams (UK)

Fri, 1 Sep 2017, 9:56 am

Your WIFI is the worst of any international airport I have used.
If you want to attract more business flyers you must improve this service.

Rach

Fri, 18 Aug 2017, 4:30 pm

Very slow to get through airport, with untrained staff who don't know what policies they should be following!! Receipts from duty free not put into sealed bags with items so the duty free was taken from us at customs from the next airport 3 hours later. The sales assistant had ensured us there would be no problem taking the items on next flight. Training needs to be given about putting receipts in sealed bags as seems to be a reoccurring problem. May as well have just thrown the money in the bin to begin with.

brahim donker nkob marokko (marokko)

Tue, 8 Aug 2017, 12:36 pm

we very happy with the helpfull officers off the brigade airport
we had paperproblems and did their best to solve the problem
in the mean time they informed us and were strict and polite
thanks again for everything
with coming back everything was good placed in the system and we were greeted with MERHABA

Marcus (Australia)

Tue, 25 Jul 2017, 11:43 am

Thanks to Mouna and Adel at the information Esk who were amazingly helpful and even let us use their personal mobile phone so we could sort out some issues with our airline. Very polite, helpful and patient.
Thanks guys
Xxoo

Niklas Ahlgren (Finland)

Mon, 24 Jul 2017, 7:12 pm

I bought a bottle of Moroccan red wine, Cuvee President, which is a good wine. The cashier took a lot of time to seal it in a plastic bag but failed to put the receipt inside the sealed bag. I was not aware of this rule. Subsequently, the bottle was confiscated in Lisbon where I had a connecting flight. Instead of focusing on her job the cashier chatted with one of her colleagues. Maybe that was why she forgot about the receipt inside the bag?. According to the receipt the name of the said cashier is Saida Chaaij. Officials and other working at the airport where in general rude. Worst airport.

Emilia Miteva (United Kingdom)

Tue, 20 Jun 2017, 6:07 pm

Literary last week I came back from an amazing holiday in Morocco. The airport in Marrakesh was the first impresion we could get from the country and I have to say it was pretty amazing! It is very modern, beautiful and interactive!! There was a lot of security and the staff was very friendly. I asked for some help and one of the guys - Mehdi Mahola was increadibly friendly and helpful. I would like to say he did not only showed me where to fill the visa form, but advised me to exchange some money at the airport and helped me to get a transfer from the airport to the city center! Looking forward to my next trip there :)) Absolutely incredible experience! :)

Sowe (United Kingdom)

Wed, 14 Jun 2017, 11:25 pm

After being told my partner was unable to enter to the country. Publically, the head immigration officer began yelling at us stating ‘we had to leave and we were wasting his time, we needed to go’, this was at 11:00 AM and the airport wasn’t even busy. As a result, my partner broke down into a nervous shock state and began crying. We tried to speak with the officers but we were yelled at by a gang of officers not allowing us to talk or make any suggestions to help our situation. As a result, the officers forced me to pass through the border checkpoint and go buy a new ticket at the ticket office outside. Noteworthily, the border agent asked ‘If I was of Jamaican descent’ as a prejudice jab at my attitude for their behaviour and ‘I replied no I am Sierra Leonean’. Thus I was sent over without any aid or guide and accidently leaving my phone in my partner's possession. Strategically, the separated us on purpose to force my partner on a the next available flight to Luton.

As previously stated, we departed via Stansted and they attempted to send my partner on a flight to an unfamiliar location without informing me or allowing us to communicate. They did not even allow or suggest that we amend our leaving date to the next date. Thus, my partner refused to board the flight. This attracted several officers and agents yelling at her to board the flight and attempted to manipulate her into leaving, while cursing her in arabic and french dialect. My partner vehemently argued “She refused to leave without me or without any funds, which i had on my possession”. As a result, the officers escorted her back inside and began an inhumane 24 hour airport torture spree. They yelled at her ‘you will get no food, no water and no chance to use the restroom..because you didn’t leave’, also ‘she will stay there for a week with nothing and leave’. Thus, to demonstrate how aggressive the staff was being she recorded them and took pictures of their malicious deeds.

On the other side, I attempted to purchase a ticket but to my shock I realised I didn’t have my phone with me to transfer funds to withdrawal. I tried every tactic I could to transfer the funds but it was impossible without my phone. My partner and I were able to keep in communication via email. Thus, I began to speak with various officers about the possibility of collecting my phone from my partner and bringing it to me to purchase our tickets to leave. Every officer, either didn’t understand what i was trying to say or wasn’t bothered to help me, so the sent me to someone else who refused to help and repeated the same action. Later, a previous officer from the gate came to explain that my partner was yelling them and recording them after refusing to leave the country, I tried to defend my partner and explain the necessity of her behaviour but he just walked away. Unfortunately, I spent about an hour and a half asking for assistance but no one cared to help. Meanwhile, my partner is subjected to sexual harassment being searched inappropriately by a male officer while his buddies laugh in backround watching. They continue their verbal and physical assault on a 23 year old black female tourist without any good reason or respect. My partner had to scream and holler out ‘help! and stop!’ to alert arriving passengers of her mistreatment, only to have the outside officer pacify the situation. After refusing to give up her cell phone and mine, they eventually snatch my phone out of her hand and jailbreak my phone. They attempt to open my phone without asking consent, invading my privacy and refuse to even apologise (see attachments). Luckily, an officer from the immigration gate was sympathetic to my plight and retrieved my phone for me, he commented ‘he had suffered a similar persecution when he visited the US, thus he understood how we felt’. Thus, I was able to receive my phone and purchase our tickets online without any aid by the local ryanair staff (as shown in the attachments).

Afterwards, I spoke with a staff member who said I could check in now at (13:00) for my tomor

D Smith (UK)

Fri, 2 Jun 2017, 1:01 pm

Ref: Complaint about Special assistant at Marrakech Airport

Being unable to climb stairs or walk any great distance, I rely on Airport assistance due to my disabilities.
But I must admit I was truly disgusted in a member of your staff of the special assistance, who met myself from the EasyJet flight from Manchester on 24th May and again on departure on May 31st at around 8:30p.
I would describe him as a man always smiling, early 30s, moustache, and never stops telling everyone how good he is at his job. He can be identified from CCTV, as he wheeled me in a wheelchair from the bottom of A3 to the awaiting plane on the runway.
On getting on the plane, he took my bag from me and asked where I was sat. He then waited for me to get into the window seat, 7A, and said something to my wife. She took out her bag and started going through it, and passed him something which later I learned was a £10 English note.
At this stage I asked her what she had just done, and she told me, ‘He was demanding money for his and the young man earlier doing their services.’ This meant that my child had to go through the whole flight without anything to eat or drink, due to this man demanding money from my wife. He was very lucky it was my wife he asked, as I would have told him he should be ashamed of himself asking people with disabilities for money he gets paid to do.
If this I how you treat disabled persons from another country in Morocco, then I am sorry to have wasted your time by having you read this. But if like myself, you feel that this man is abusing his position to demand money from disabled/vunerable people, then I hope you will take actions to prevent this extremely distasteful person from ever having anymore contact, or being in a position to harass disabled persons into giving him money for what he is being paid by the airport to do.
I leave this in your hands, and if you wish to contact me please do so at the email address this email was sent from.

Bev Hall (England)

Thu, 1 Jun 2017, 3:20 pm

The staff were very rude. My breast was groped at the security check-in. The young girl cleaners in the toilets were very rude giggling to themselves and demanding money. And to top all of this I have been violently sick due to eating the Sushi at the airport.

Martin

Fri, 26 May 2017, 3:37 pm

Lady in the duty-free forgot to seal my whiskey, so i had to bin it at the transfer desk in lisbon. Bad experience :-(

Andrea G. Sambinelli (Italy)

Mon, 22 May 2017, 3:32 pm

The airport is very nice and clean. Everyone was kind and professional except for a few policemen at passport control! I was very unlucky because I met the same one getting in and out of Morocco, but also my partner found a rude one. They didn't say hello or goodbye, they were too busy talking and laughing in arabic; the second time I was in front of him and I had to wait like 3 minutes for him to look at my passport because he was chatting with his friend.
There's nothing wrong with talking to collegues, but please say hello, thank you and don't ignore me! They should be nice and kind like everyone else working at the airport.

G Elliott (UK)

Mon, 1 May 2017, 9:31 pm

Staff were so kind and helpful providing assistance to a lady who had injured her foot on holiday and to make sure she could board her flight home. A great example of the kind and welcoming Moroccan culture. Thank you.

The global-exchange at the airport in Marrakesh seemed trustworthy. I was exhausted and needed to change euro. The clerk talked fast, kept saying he will give me a better rate, that it is the best option for me, distracted me with random questions. I kept telling him i didn't understand, he kept insisting and he changed half my money, put some on a card circled some numers on the receipt and smiled and waved. My frieds explined to me later that the card activation actually cost me 25€. At no point did the clerk tell me this would cost 25€. I tried to talk to him again. He kept insisting on the rate and kept calculating random numbers.

A friend insisted harder and they took the card back and gave her the money back. But told me to come with them to a different room to verifiy the cameras and insisted they did nothing wrong. I got scared and left.

I feel taken advantage of. Intimidated and robed. I heard marocans are conartist, but imagined a company in the airport was better than this.

Mario (Portugal)

Sat, 15 Apr 2017, 6:45 pm

Excellent airport. Bearifull architecture. In 10 minutes we were at the boarding gate. We went 3 hours before because of people complaining and then we hang around for 2 hours. Lots of shops and nice coffees to rest. Very quite. Friendly staff. We took a flight on a Saturday at 12:40

Henrik (Spain)

Wed, 5 Apr 2017, 8:56 pm

yesterday night as me and my girlfriend were passing through security, there was no alarm when my girlfriend went through the alarm detector. despite this, the woman working in the security went directly and squeezed the breasts of my girlfriend. after my girlfriend jumped back, disgusted of the treatment which had nothing to do whatsoever with any kind of security check. The officer behind her were laughing as if it was a sick joke. he was trying to convince my girlfriend that this was normal and then they did it again. The woman in security once again went directly to squeeze the breasts and then directly after that grabbed her crotch. At the same time the women by the xray machine were smiling and asked her to open her backpack just to continue with the humiliation, all of the officers at that security point were definitely in collusion of this sick "joke" that had nothing to do with security whatsoever. Absolutely disgusting experience and a disgrace for such an important place to give a good impression of the country. The lasting impression for my girlfriend after a fabulous 5 days in Morrocco is that she left this country feeling raped.

abbas bnou farnas (UK)

Sun, 26 Mar 2017, 3:31 pm

worst experience in my life, i was so lucky i boarded my flight that day even though i went to the airport 3 hours before my flight, it took me 5 min to check in my bags with BA, and 3 hours to get through security, staff organising the queue were so unprofessional and very rude, there was a girl that day the 23rd of march 2017 to be precise, she was letting people from the back of the queue to the customs officers straight away, and i when i asked why she said they were calling their names to board their flight, but when the company i was going with started calling my name i called the girl again and told her that i'm going to miss my flight,her answer was ' I don't give a shit' then i stepped out of the queue and went straight to the first available officer to get my passport checked she tried to stop me but i went through anyway, then the guy was so slow when i asked him to hurry up a bit as they were calling my name he simply said that's the way he does his job, and if i'm not happy i can just fuck off, after that i headed to the gate to board my flight there was still a queue in there after i showed them my passport i asked the girls boarding passengers if i could go get a bottle of water from the shop in front she said that's alright, then i left my back pack and my wallet including my passport with the wife and asked her to wait for me since i wasn't going to be more than a minute just time to go the shop which is only few steps away,as i was running back the girls boarding passengers told my wife to go in but she told them she had my boarding pass and my passport and they said it was okay since i was just few seconds away and they saw me on my way back they told her its okay just go in and we will let your husband in since i showed them all my paperwork and my boarding pass, but the second i was about to walk in through the gate the girls stopped me and didn't let me in the missus tried to get involved to show them my documents so they let me in, but they didn't want and all they did was calling a police officer to escort me out, then i was shocked of the way i was treated, the guy was pulling my arm and was willing to handcuff me,but since i'm sadly a moroccan citizen i started begging the officer in our language just to walk me to my wife so he can see all my documents he simply said no and started swearing at me and said 'do you think you're a human now you live in the UK, i will make sure you will never leave this country again' i was literally treated as a criminal, but i was lucky enough i could escape and get through the gate and into the queue before boarding the plane, but then there was the officer and two girls after me, but then a British airways air hostess got involved and said since i had all my documents whats the problem, then they simply left like nothing happened, i really don't know what could happened to me if wasn't lucky enough to escape the officer and if the air hostess didn't get involved to get them off my back, i would have been possibly jailed don't know what kind of crimes they would have said i committed. none of this would happened if every single employee done their jobs properly, i still regret not writing down the names of the staff who abused me, but with all that stress all i was thinking about was boarding my flight and getting out of there, if i could rate this airport less than poor i would have rated it as a joke, it's only a small airport, so i guess the service should be better, but it's definitely not, you get to expect the poor service from the minute you speak to one of the staff in there, even if it looks new and clean, but appearances are deceptive, anyway don't expect a good treatment unless you pay for it in that country, and that cost too much, you get less fun for more money that you would have paid for any other holiday destination.

Mafalda Carvalho

Fri, 10 Mar 2017, 4:35 pm

I need an email to contact the lost and found of the Airport. Someone can help me? Thank you

Andrej (Slovenia)

Sun, 5 Mar 2017, 5:03 am

Made it to the airport 3 hours before (like in all international flights!!!). Checked our Bag and went true custums with the normal speed like u do in USA, Uk.

The people at the airport where polite. In less then 45 minutes we where at our gate (but it was early in the morning).

Ricardo Miranda (Portugal)

Mon, 13 Feb 2017, 10:28 am

Beautiful airport. Strict staff but very professional. It's essencial as we fly to Europe. Will be back again.

Anon

Thu, 9 Feb 2017, 2:14 pm

The staff very rude and impolite.

Man with black glasses in the coffee shop in the departure lounge (near the A area), overcharged us when converting to pounds. When questioned he became more and more irritated and gave no receipt.

When in arrivals, asked a man in blue uniform for help, and he said "no Arabic?! no" and walked off.

The passport control people ignore you when you greet them, and may even continue their conversation with another officer for a few minutes before serving you.

An advice: Have som Euros in cash on you. We couldn't find any cash machine så we were forced to use the two only banks in the airport. First they took af outrageous fee at more than 20 Euros and then we had to accept an extremely low rate that cost us additionally 35 Euros – just to get 200 Euros in local currency! The local taxi drivers will happyly acccept Euros in cash. The price of the ride was 200 dirhams but on the way back it was only 70 dirhams. Try to get a better price than we did.
Passport Control is unacceptably slow and bureaucratic, and needs to be speeded up dramaticaly. We had to fill out af prehistoric form and indicate type of job and other completely irrelevant information. There was only 8 small tables for the hundreds of passengers that should all (inclusive children) fill out the form. If you have only a short time don't bother to visit Morocco since a large portion of your precious time and money will be consumed by the ineffective airport. Nice people, good food and fruits and beautiful mountains though!

John (Scotland)

Thu, 2 Feb 2017, 8:34 am

Ignore the negative comments. Yes, the immigration officers are stern but they are no worse than anywhere else in the world. Try the experience as an alien getting into the UK or US if you want real rudeness and inefficiency. Or Hahn airport in Fermany if you want to exoerience third world conditions. The airport is clean, spacious and has stunning architecture. One the nicest and most pleasant I have been to.

Anthony Egan (Ireland)

Tue, 31 Jan 2017, 6:50 pm

No Major problems, the police/immigration are stern and bureaucratic, lots of passport checks and thorough security, which is good. The one thing which annoyed me was those forms you have to fill out, what a waste of time, and no pens provided, which is farcical! The Taxi situation also needs to be more closely regulated, it does get tiresome when they constantly try to rip you off

kees donker (centre nkob marokko)

Sun, 15 Jan 2017, 9:40 am

our first experience with the new terminal was a pleasant surprise
very good organized and beautiful architexture
thanks

kees donker (centre nkob marokko)

Mon, 9 Jan 2017, 12:13 pm

we travel at least 6 times a year with transavia using maraks airport
airport staff is friendly and informing
supervisor transavia hichamis very helpfull
airport is clean and quiet
security is strict ,offcourse
pasport control is normal again polite and helpfull
entering the country takes time because all the carriers seems to arrive at the same time
i read all the negative revieuws and i cant recognize them
coffee and food is good and not to expensive
im always happy to use menara airport

Zineb gh (Morocco)

Sun, 8 Jan 2017, 8:05 pm

This was my worst experience in an airport! Lazy, unhelpful and incompetent employees. Too many passports checks. I also have to scan myself and my luggage twice. When I finally arrived to the police, the guy working there just left his office. He asked his colleague to replace him. His colleague was not interested in doing that. I told him that my flight is in 10 minutes and that I am going to miss my flight, he then answered me that he doesn't care if I miss my flight! Such bad and unprofessional behaviour! How can Morocco attracts tourists if we have such people working in the airport?! Why scanning passengers so many times?!
The very annoying thing is that when I got in to the door and give my passports and boarding pass to to the lady in the door,after she checked everything, she asked me: "where's the other person traveling with you?" She didn't realize that both passports are mine! Such a shame!

Zineb (Morocco)

Sun, 8 Jan 2017, 7:55 pm

Worst experience ever

Aris Birze (Latvia)

Sun, 11 Dec 2016, 9:54 pm

My Phantom4 GJI drone was confiscated during departure!
As well had to pay extra penalty 1165dh (about 120eur) just to make to the flight in time. I couldn't find any regulations or laws that would forbid to take my drone to Morocco!
Really confused, why you CONFISCATED drone at the DEPARTURE ? Flied at 10.12.16
Has anyone had similar situation and got back the drone ?

Sanjay Rao (Washington DC)

Wed, 30 Nov 2016, 4:05 am

Immigration police are definitely biased against foreigners. This officer with id#1800818, purposely delayed my embarkation procedure by rejecting kiosk-printed boarding pass (asked me to get one from the counter) and tearing off my embarkation form - all this when the airline was announcing final call for my boarding. As a result, I missed my flight to Casablanca and then to DC. Had to spend two more days in Morocco missing work, school for my kids and going through all the trouble. Absolutely no accountability here.

i zelcer (canada)

Sat, 19 Nov 2016, 10:44 pm

why close down the airport for hours when the king is to land or take off?connecting flights are missed. passengers inconvenienced

Max Mustermann (Europe)

Sat, 12 Nov 2016, 6:14 pm

ALSO AUSTRIAN AIRLINES is flying regular/twice weekly to RAK, Economy and Business-Class.......soooooo poor that your HOMEPAGE is rarely updated and this in year 2016/17!!!!!!!!

Sami El mahdi (Italy and Morocco)

Sat, 3 Sep 2016, 11:29 am

I wanna tre mobile check-in in the airport bevande it is a good idea

Shaunagh Cole (United Kingdom)

Thu, 1 Sep 2016, 10:22 pm

I recently travelled to and from Menara Airport on a holiday with my disabled husband. We cannot fault the service my husband received from the airport staff. Without having to ask we were approached by several members of staff asking if they could provide any assistance. We were given priority attention when checking in baggage and at passport presentation and we found all staff to be courteous, kind and helpful. The lifts were out of order and two gentlemen carried my husband's walker up the escalator and assisted him to get on and off the escalator. When it came to boarding, the stairs were a problem for us and a very kind lady took us down in a lift and guided us onto the shuttle. This was our first holiday in ten years due to my husband's disability and the care and attention we received has given us the confidence to travel again. We are very grateful to all the staff of Menara Airport.

Nice airport. Missed my flight in London and Brought a new ticket on royal air Maroc. Arrived late at night and passport control was long. Then some of my baggage did not arrive. It came on a BA flight the next day. I
Advice you to not take a taxi from the front of the airport as they will truck you. They charged my 150dh from menera to gueliz but if you just leave the airport it will cost you 60dh.oh their security is appalling. The guard never even check my baggage but just said to walk through. There are people who push your baggage for you. I saw them working from 6am in morning to 1am in the morning just for 100dh (£7.20). I gave them 70dh (£5) and advice to give a decent amount of money as they may have family's waiting for them

Ewa

Fri, 1 Jul 2016, 5:36 pm

Just let me describe what happened to me: Marrakesh. Airport. After having passed the scanning gate, a policewoman indicates me to open my arms and to keep them up. I follow her sign and immediately feeling her hands landing directly on my breasts and than squeezing between my legs. She is not searching on my limbs or waist as it usually happens. I am jumping back and warning her. It didn't feel apriopriate. She and the other policeman at the band apparently are having fun in this situation and, ignoring my reaction, sending me to proceed. I'm feeling bothered and, with the intention of rising a complaint, explaining the situation to the policeman at the passport control. He is taking me back to that guy from the band but listening to only his explanation. In their own language of course. They do not want to talk English with me. After having a chat, the policeman with a hand sign is sending me away. I am feeling helples. A lady at the info desk is finally listening to me and is trying to figure out what is the way of rising a complaint. The situation passes me further on two other men: one of them is presenting to me a complaint form (that is supposed to be dropped into a box at the airport with no reciever) and the other (policeman again), asked about the department and person, I could post the official complaint to, is saying that he is not going to give me this information and is turning me with a hand sign away again.
I'm feeling disgusted.

Christine Williams (UK)

Tue, 21 Jun 2016, 11:36 am

I have been flying in and out of Marrakech for the last 5 years on a regular basis and have never had anything stolen or damaged. I is true that sometimes there is a wait to go through passport control, but this has improved since they introduced the snake system of queuing and placed people at the front to direct you to open kiosks. The toilet attendants get paid a tiny wage and a dirham tip is not much to ask, though if it your first time in Morocco you won't have the change as you can't get dirhams outside the country. I always pack valuables including laptop, tablet and mobiles into my hand luggage. I know my hold luggage has been checked, but nothing has ever gone missing. The landing cards are not pointless as has been suggested. The information on it is used to monitor who comes into and goes out of the country. The taxis drivers do try and get as much as they can from tourists, but this is outside of the control of the airport authority. My advice is always accept an offer of transfers from your hotel or tour operator. My worst ever experience of lack of organisation and rudeness from staff was in Miami airport.

P.Ogram (UK)

Mon, 30 May 2016, 2:34 pm

Morocco is a closed currency therefore you cannot obtain Dirhams until you arrive in the country. There are a couple of exchange bureaus in the arrivals hall that you need to be aware of.

The Global Exchange bureau agents will tell you that it's very expensive to use your own bank card at the limited ATM's in Marrakech or that you cannot use your card at all. This is not true and a ploy to get you to have one of their travel cards preloaded with an amount that you think is on there. What they don't tell you is that the amount they supposedly preload on the card is 300 dirhams less ( about £25-30) than you thought you had paid for because that is the cost of the card itself to you. The card can only be used in Morocco with Dirhams only and is not transferable. They also tell you that any unused money on the card can be changed back at bureau in the departure hall. Again this is not true and they will not exchange any amount left on the card so use it or lose it!
My advice is to all visitors to Marrakech from anywhere in the world is to only accept cash when buying Dirhams, use your bank card to buy the dirhams as you will get a better rate than you are offered by them. Take any unspent dirham notes to the bureau for changing back to your own currency.
On another note the staff in the airport are generally unfriendly and terse nor will I be visiting this country again.

Hi
I would like to ask... What's the opening and the closing time of the Exchange Money Office at the airport?

Thank you very much.

Lorraine (Ireland)

Mon, 2 May 2016, 4:01 am

Travelled in and out of menara airport this week for a one week stay and was horrified at the behaviour of staff, my husband is Mediterranean bloodline but born and raised in Ireland and I'm Irish and they were insisting my husband tell them where he came from originally-they refused to accept he was born and raised in Ireland,this added another 30 minutes to and already 90 minute queue , those ridiculous forms u have to fill in on arrival and not a pen to be found,most countries that require you to fill them in normally issue them in flight in order to give you time to do it- and then the nonsense of having to do it all again while leaving.
Also you will find the public toilets have a sign on them but there are members of staff standing there with there hand out waiting for you to add to the collection of dirhams they rattle about in there hands.
When I pretended not to see her she stuck her leg out to trip me up, absolute bitch.
I then asked a member of security was there a smoking area and he said no but if I gave his friend a little something he could organise a place for me to smoke,I gave the dirhams and was led to a corridor behind duty free and was given a chair and told to puff away.
Then the taxi from the airport to djem el fna cost 150 dirhams but the same journey back cost 80 dirhams-go figure.
Also had the locks removed from check in luggage but nothing stolen.
It's thievery from start to finish in Marrakech,such a pity Moroccan people have no pride or dignity in themselves that they would become common thief sin the work place. I will never set foot in that country again.

salima kankindi (Belgium)

Sat, 23 Apr 2016, 11:45 am

I have read these comments before traveling to Marrakesh, to have an idea. Many of these comments have a negative undertone, so I was preparing for a "bad" situation. But in all honesty I have been very pleased with the service, staff and facilities at the Menara airport. I traveled to Marrakesh in April. From landing to bagage claim: it took me only 30-45 minutes. The boarder control went easy and they were very friendly. I filled in the arrival form and made sure I had a pen ready. There were 5-6 booths open, so there was absolutely no long waiting queue. To fly back home, I was 2 hours upfront at the airport, which was more than enough. Again good service and friendly staff. The security check was thorough and indeed they were strict and severe. But I didn't mind at all. I come from Belgium, and after what happened at the Brussels airport, I'm more than happy to go trough a strict, severe, over-the-top security check. I can't be more pleased and happy with the Menara airport. If you are friendly and cooperative, they return the service so think about that...

JT

Thu, 24 Mar 2016, 2:46 pm

Have been flying back to UK today. There are several passport checks before the actual check in. When I went to the last passport check before boarding, I gave my passport and the form that has to be filled in when entering / leaving country. Being a citizen of EU country with residence in UK (I am not british citizen), the policeman asked me do I live in Uk. I said yes, and he then asked me for visa (which I do not need) and identity card (which I do not have nor need as I am using my passport). I then tried to explain I do not need visa to fly to Uk and he just wouldn't have it. Kept asking for my identity card and saying how French and Germans have identity cards. I said I do not have one, never needed it on PASSPORT control. He finally let me go through after about 10min of interrogating. Very unpleasant experience, never ever had something like this happen before whilst travelling to different countries / continents.

Claudio (Italy)

Wed, 16 Mar 2016, 4:03 pm

The day March 12 had to embark on FR 8876 flight to Pisa. At ceck in tell us that the baggage exceeds the weight by 3 kg. I note that I had weighed the luggage at the hotel and was perfectly within the limits. Pretend to weigh your luggage on another tape and the weight is correct them. Not even an apology from the staff. Rude and unprofessional police officers that touch and palpate all passengers. On boarding gates we are announced 7:08 but despite having made two neat rows (such as monitors indicated) staff decides to access a single row and we have to get back on the tail. Disorganized !!!!!!

Fatiha Leuzinger (Switzerland)

Mon, 14 Mar 2016, 4:04 pm

As a Businessclass traveller, please note to afford direct and faster Access for Check-In, we haed to wait as Long as the Economyclass-passengers, why is ther no direct check-in only for Businessclass-passengers? We are always flying with Swiss or Edelweiss.

Inam Ullah (Pakistan)

Thu, 10 Mar 2016, 8:13 am

Very surprised to see that there were no security checks at all at the airport which is very alarming.

Jorge Torres (México)

Tue, 23 Feb 2016, 3:30 pm

IMPORTANT!!!

TO AIRPORT'S STUFF!!!

Didn't find an e-mail address to place my complaint, hope someone from the airport reads this. I arrived there on wendsday from Madrid's airport in the flight number 7752 and when we got to the window to get check of passport there were so many people, it was a big line, but for my surprise when we got to the window number 17, there was this lady on the phose using Whatsapp and she did not care about giving the service, hope someone reads this and does something about that!!

Anders S (Denmark)

Sat, 20 Feb 2016, 1:58 pm

I completely agree with Anne’s comment from the 11th of February. This is a perfectly normal airport.
Took me 45 mins to get through passport control when entering Morocco, and 45 mins when going home. Helpful guy at the info desk in the departure area helped me fill out the departure form.
Remember to fill out the arrival and departure forms before you go through customs. Bring your own pen.
Of course you can have bad experiences in this airport. But that can happen anywhere. I have had my credit card info stolen in Heathrow London and spent hours in a queue waiting to get into the US.

Teresa (Spain)

Thu, 18 Feb 2016, 9:32 am

Worst Airport experience of my life. Very,very,very rude staff.Rude taxi drivers.Will never return for sure!!!From what I'm reading you are not doing anything to solve this.Shame on you!

Bill Ward (Ireland)

Sat, 13 Feb 2016, 11:44 am

Rude treatment by Ryanair check in desk and Passport control at Menara Airport.I received a response to my complaint. It was very vague and totally did not address this issue. Fact we did comply with all terms and conditions. As I did check in online and printout boarding passes. That was presented to security at Marrakesh airport. And as stated before they walked away with them. So we went back to the ticket counter and explained what happen and showed her the boarding passes n my phone. The representative became very argent and treated us with total disrespect that as a customer did not deserve. We just wanted to go home so we paid for another boarding pass. I am not asking for a refund just €36.00 credit for another reservation in the future. If this request is not honoured by you. We would then like to escalate this matter to a formal complaint. As we did in fact live up to to the terms and condition's. And because we as customers was treated so horribly with total disrespect that no customer should ever have to experience. We have witnesses.

Anne (Scotland)

Thu, 11 Feb 2016, 10:41 pm

have spent four days in marrakech arrived on easy jet flight 6/02/16 , 30 mins to get through customs ,staff usual strict faced guys you meet at most customs.
On leaving 30 mins from bag drop off to departure lounges again efficient smooth.
A lot of negative stuff on this comment board don't be afraid a perfectly normal airport

Nuria Gomez Villena (Spain)

Thu, 11 Feb 2016, 2:02 pm

Hello, I was comming back on the 1st of January and i left behind me a ring an the police check point (trayÑ). I would like to know if there is a department of objet trouve (e-mail, telephone number...anything).
The ring is not of a great value but sentimental one. Please if anyone could help me with this.
Thank you Nuria.

M. Hadidi (US)

Fri, 5 Feb 2016, 1:50 am

Wow, I had no idea this was so common until reading about it here.. but I was also asked my father's origin (both while entering and leaving the country). It should not matter, since I have a US passport and French visa. My white friend, who I was traveling with, never had this problem of course. But because my name sounded like Arab, they kept insisting. This made me feel so uncomfortable, what a rude gesture to welcome people to your country...

Ben (UK)

Wed, 3 Feb 2016, 11:44 pm

No problem getting through security to depart today (3.2.2016), there were half a dozen people checking passports and two machines scanning personal items. It took about 15 minutes.

Nicolai

Tue, 2 Feb 2016, 8:06 pm

Now I have read 100+ passengers reports about their experience in Menara Airport:
Airport salaried insolent behavior towards innocent passengers. Theft of jewelry from passengers trunks while they were in the airport's custody. Airport employees robbery of cameras in the open. Workers denial to lend a pen to passengers so they can fill in useless but mandatory forms.
And the airport management totally ignores this information - so one must assume that they will find it quite in order that they finds it quite in order to treat passengers in this way.
My friends and I have decided to go to Sicily instead of subjecting us to this treatment.

Nicolai

Tue, 2 Feb 2016, 11:09 am

Menara Airport has written this "Thank you for your valuable feedback. It should appear on the site within a few hours."
But nothing indicates that anyone reads any of all the comments and questions here.

Nicolai

Tue, 2 Feb 2016, 11:06 am

Is it really not possible to get an answer here?

Nicolai

Mon, 1 Feb 2016, 9:41 pm

My friends and I are considering visiting Marrakech next week, but we do not want to expose ourselves to a treatment as we read about here.
Can the airport management tell whether it is possible to avoid getting such a rude and unprofessional treatment - or is it better for us to find another place to spend our vacation?

Nicolai

Mon, 1 Feb 2016, 11:56 am

I have been looking for an e-mail address to the airport, but without succes. Can someone help me?

Nicolai

Mon, 1 Feb 2016, 11:42 am

Is there an ATM in the airport?

Illyas (London)

Wed, 27 Jan 2016, 11:53 am

Arrived Marrakech airport 16/01/2016, long unnecessary que at passports. Although our flight were the only flight that landed that time. Finally when I came out , there are the overcharging taxis. They wanted 200 dirham for 50 dirham job unbelievable, why are the authorities not doing anything about this. Doesn't matter cos I am never coming back here again.

Lucia (United States)

Mon, 25 Jan 2016, 9:00 pm

My luggage never arrived to RAK airport via Iberia Airlines so I filed a claim with the staff at RAK airport. The staff said that they would reach out to my hostel once my bag arrived but I never got a response. After a week, I returned to the States and followed up on my missing luggage. I found out that my luggage arrived at RAK airport a few days after my claim was submitted and a few days before I left for the States.

It has been over two weeks and Iberia Airlines has not been able to get in touch with RAK Airport. I had Iberia Airlines follow up at least 8 times within the past two weeks but they said that the RAK supervisor has not been responding. HORRIBLE SERVICE.

jack (uk)

Mon, 25 Jan 2016, 5:55 pm

we are visit Marrakesh on 21 January 2016,we been very disappointment about costumer service from control passports!I travel with my wife and kids the queue was soo slow and the person behind the glass on left side of the control board was so rude front of my kids,he throw my UK passports like rubbish to bin.Never seen something like that before

S ahmed (United kingdom)

Mon, 25 Jan 2016, 10:52 am

The country is beautiful and so are the people. The staff at the airport have appaling behaviour. The passport control officer shouted at my husband because he gave both of our passports in together (as we were standing together) he refused to speak english with us and sent us or give us a pen to fill in an Arrival card although we were departing the country. We got sent to the next desk but he shouted across to the other officers to not give us a pen. I was given a pen but than it was snatched off me because of the mans instructions. The two officers we were served by after also denied understanding english. Its disgusting how they pick on individuals because they have a little power. The taxi drivers seem more educated than these ignorant staff here. Taxi driver would do a better job.

T.P. (UK)

Fri, 22 Jan 2016, 9:42 pm

Better than expected - but perhaps I was just lucky to pass through when the airport was not at all busy. About half an hour to get through passport control on arrival. On departure through both security and passport control in about 40 minutes.

Kydd Boyle

Mon, 4 Jan 2016, 6:17 pm

Very poor customer service upon arrival. Needs changed to give a better initial impression.

Marrakech is worth the long wait though!

Kydd Boyle

Mon, 4 Jan 2016, 4:54 pm

Very poor customer service upon arrival. Needs changed to give a better initial impression.

Marrakech is worth the long wait though!

Exasperated Traveller

Mon, 28 Dec 2015, 11:50 am

This is a pretty poor airport and I've been to huts on a strip of tarmac in the rainforest that are more efficient. There are no signs warning you that dirhams are not accepted and cannot be exchanged past security. The one shop that allowed us to buy some magazines in dirham tried to charge us double before we queried it. The groping stories are true and security personnel do randomly take your passport for additional checks at the baggage screening stage without telling you, so make sure you get it back. Our flight was delayed by an hour with no confirmation of this. I found out about this by checking the airline's website. This airport isn't the worst I've been to but it's close.

The police at the airport stole my camera after they went through my hand luggage on the side. I had no idea anything was stolen until I returned. I was also touched inappropriately by the staff. They are extremely rude. When I tried asking questions they would just cut me off. BEWARE!! DO NOT COME TO MOROCCO.

samia ramdani (Morocco/England)

Tue, 15 Dec 2015, 12:28 pm

I have traveled through almost every airport in Morocco and also around the world and have experienced bad customer services including England but Marrakesh is far the worst in term of customer services at every level. It s just big shame for such beautiful city with beautiful ppl and nice airport to be spoiled by the few members who work in the airport who they think they own the world. After passing the custom ppl are encouraged to purchase perfumes ext.. but staff start counting the purchase as third luggage!!!!!,creating new queues while only one person serving the queues however starting with passengers coming later rather than the one at the front of the queue, precisely the staff ( a man and a woman) who were bording the Ryanair gate 6 passengers in the evening of Monday 14/11/2015 to London Luton airport, it wasn't bad enough that the airplane was one hour delayed without any announcement or an apology, unless ppl went to check the small monitors in the corners to check whats happening to the plane while it suppose to be boarding at that time. I am Moroccan,so I know Moroccan attitude and not foreigner to it but the Marrakesh airport staff has exceeded every limit in rudeness.

Mr Regan Shaw (Tring, England)

Thu, 26 Nov 2015, 8:46 am

I traveled to Marrakech last week and was really impressed by the airport. On the way into Marrakech everything went smoothly.On the way back, following a small accident I needed a wheelchair and the help I received was absolutely fantastic from the time the taxi pulled up until the time I got on the plane. In addition, we were slightly nervous about security following the Paris bombing, but as soon as we arrived at the airport we could see it was well organised and the security services were very much in evidence which was reassuring. It reminded us very much of a smaller European airport and was nice and spacious inside and whilst the immigration checks took a while overall it was fine.

Frederique (Holland)

Sat, 24 Oct 2015, 2:05 pm

I often come to Marrakech with my wife and son and fly to Marrakech Menara AirPort.
In 2014 we had a lot of trouble going to customs, we had to wait for more than three hours this with a sick child wild it was very warm.
There were a lot of travelers at the moment but not even half the posts at customs was occupied with the controllers.
Nobody there was willing to help.
I send a couple of reclamotions to them but did not get an answer, I want to know why this is.
Also I want to know the reason for the card (fiche d'embarquement) we have to fill in.
It takes too long to write and controle and you have to fill in private information which has nothing to do with the safety of the travelers.
Look at the customs in for example Europe, there you do not have to fill in such a card. The information in the passport should be enough and it takes just a while moment to check instead of 10 min per person when they have to document it in a computer system .
We spoke to a lot of tourists who say never to come to Marokko again because of problems like this.
Then there is also the problem how tourists are being treated at Jama el fna, they are ripped of by the women who sell henna drawings, men with animals etc. It is a shame.. Marrakech is beautiful but tourists will stay away because of these problems.
I hope also to get an answer as soon as possible about my reclamation.

S. Davies (UK)

Fri, 7 Aug 2015, 4:32 pm

Before travelling to Marrakesh last week I had read the deluge of negative comments and was slightly worried. However, apart from the slow queues (1 hour to get thru passport control on the way in which, given the number of incoming flights wasn't bad, and a slow check-in on the way out) - perhaps to be expected in what is, after all, Africa not Switzerland) - the airport seemed pretty efficient. No problems at all and the staff just seemed like they were doing their jobs as best they could. I've waited in absurdly slow queues at UK aiports too. Really, no need to worry (just make sure you have a pen with you which, to be honest, any smart traveller should take with him/her)

laurie field (England)

Tue, 21 Jul 2015, 2:43 pm

Disgusted in this airport. I lost my phone and passport in the airport and thankfully, found my passport. No such luck with my phone. Was informed on the flight by a fellow passenger that they'd handed both phone and passport into a security guard. My passpot was given back to me by a security guard but not my phone. Cant do anything about it but warn everybody to be very careful with their belongings because those in authority that are supposed to be trusted are thieving, lying, sly members of society. Will be making a formal complaint as soon as possible.

E R Cooper (UK)

Mon, 20 Jul 2015, 1:24 am

After reading the comments of other passengers who travelled through Menara Airport I had very low expectations. But I think the Airport Authority have been listening, because we experienced none of the problems encountered by other travellers. We took pens with us as advised and it is true there are none there at arrivals or departures. No big deal. Entering Morocco through passport control took less than ten minutes. Brilliant duty free shops before exit. On returning we arrived three and a half hours early due to the reports that only one passport control desk is open, but this was not the case. You have to have your boarding pass stamped before going through passport control, so we had to wait for check-in to open before we could queue up for departures. We need'ant have worried. We got our boarding passes stamped, completed our departure forms and had an hour in the café and duty free shops after passport control and security. We didn't get molested as others have been and we only waited ten minutes at passport control. It was much quicker and easier than Stansted.

Unnamed passenger (Finland)

Thu, 18 Jun 2015, 11:58 pm

I've been to this airport 4 times when arrived and used it 4 times when I've left from Morocco meaning I have 8 time experience of it during last 1 year and 2 months.

The first time I arrived to Marrakech I remember having problems with filling the landing card, because there is no pencils available but luckily I got to borrow one from nice old couple. After that I have remembered to get a pencil with me just to fill that card in Marrakech. So remember you too ;)

Plus kind of rating the airport gets of the toilets what there is already in the arriving/passport control part and after passport control in the luggage reclaim before entering to see your loved ones and also in the departures side of course.

In the first time I remember needing to wait for over hour in the passport control line, also as in the second time, third time I got out of it in less than 15 minutes and week ago I had to again wait at least for hour but I think it's kinda normal.
However, I agree with the officer's being kinda out of customer service - in the first time I remember the officer was purely yelling at the passengers because the line wasn't straight and he came out from his working cube to show to the line how the people should stand in it. It was kinda odd but funny at the same time because hello, who does that :-) Also I've noticed that the officers are a lot just talking with each other and not paying attention on working as well as they could but I have also noticed the same in a grocery store's cashier part in Morocco so I guess it's some sort of an cultural thing. Otherwise I have just good things and experiences of the passport control officers, they talk with you and joke and smile if you yourself just are in with the right mood :) Remember to fill the landing card because I have in the departures noticed that it gets in their nerves if you havent filled it!!! :)

The airport's atmosphere is very nice, it's small airport and it's easy to find your way out to the exit from the arrivals passport control and you wont get lost in the departures section either.

Information staff has two girls that are so nice, they let me use their own phone while I was panicking because my own card didn't work in Morocco and my person hadn't gotten to the airport yet and I was panicking! So I went to ask if they know if I can call from somewhere and they said theres "maroc telecom" shop behind and I went to see but it was closed. So I returned and asked if its the only one and explained my situation, and one of them let me use her own phone to call my person. I'm so thankful for that!! It saved me from heart attack in that moment ha ha ha ha :-)

taxi transportation is easy to get from outside but I've heard that they might take more than what they should especially from tourists so check the fees from the list at the airport and keep that and make a price for the transport before you get to the taxi.

I have no bad experience with the departures section. Once I was very busy and forgot to fill the departure card and the officer started yelling at me in the passport control. Also once the officer was using his personal phone for at least three minutes before he paid attention on me standing in front of him with my passport and I was in a rush and in the same time I missed my flight. After he had time to pay attention on his client, my company called me to ask if I made it to the gate and if I'm late, I took the call and the officer started yelling that he doesn't check my passport as long as i have a phone in my hand.
It was kinda ironic since he was just playing with his phone while before and gets paid for that, ugh.
Anyways, I missed my flight in that same time and got very good service,thanks for that goes to some young security dude who took care and made sure that I get needed stamps to my passport and out back to the departures from the arrivals. I'm forever thankful for that!!!

There's good and bad everywhere in the world :-) To me this airport feels like home, ha ha :) I love to go there but oh dear i also love to

Morocco is beautiful and you will end up swinging a cheep flight there, but before you book, think about why it is so cheep. My boyfriend and I booked a flight to and from Marakech airport. The night before our flight out, we found out our flight was canceled. No big deal. We planned to just go to the airport early so we could try to rebook. So we get there the next morning and spent a totally of 4 hours trying to rebook. It was ridiculous. We were sent to 4 different desks, all of which would give us customer service numbers to call; which would either not work, be in the incorrect language, or operators wouldn't be reviewing calls. When we finally we able to rebook, they charged us.
Other problems with this airport include the following;
1.Poor security/pass port control officers- experienced both times officers just having conversations and not paying attention to what what they are doing. This was not only rude, but super annoying.
2. There are no pens available when filling out landing cards/departure cards, and when you ask a staff member to borrow one, they will either say "no" or say "yes but I am using it" and walk off.
3. There is hardly any signage to tell you where your gate is for your flight.
4. Many staff members are house playing with each other, or are simply not at their posts.
If it were at all possible, I would give this airport negative stars. It was difficult, unpleasant, and just overall very inefficient.

J Jazwinski (UK)

Sun, 7 Jun 2015, 1:57 am

Hello all,
I read these reviews before returning to Uk from holiday in Marrakech. The security was quicker on departure with over 20 booths open and being managed and directed by a supervisor. Much quicker than the arrivals which was slower with few booths open, as people have said here. I think they have heard the comments.

C Mcgregor

Wed, 20 May 2015, 7:52 am

Customer service seems to be something the airport has forgotten
long q's to get through passport control
one woman fainted and the staff were not interested
booths are shut down without notice and then need to join another q
duty free staff are rude, walk away from you , don't answer questions
amazingly duty free does not take the local currency
flight delayed and staff unwilling to give any support / answers
However Marrakech is lovely

Patrick Grant (Ireland)

Fri, 15 May 2015, 5:44 pm

passport control and customs upon Arrival were fast and without any delays, Departure was much better and faster than most of the airports I have used.
Bring a pen with you so you can fill in the entry and exit forms immediately prior to passport control. Staff are very helpful. souvenir shops before departure are a lot more expensive than in the medina. airport facilities are nice and clean, bars/cafes are usual airport quality.

Paul Daniels (London)

Sun, 3 May 2015, 8:10 pm

Passport control is a joke. 5 to 7 minutes processing time per passenger? Get those landing cards online!!! I'm only speaking as a layman, but I suggest that any scary-ass terrorist on a covert mission to undermine the mighty Kingdom of Morocco might take the precaution of dreaming up a few creative fibs for his landing card. Pointless. Our first impression of Marraakech should not be a 90 minute wait in a queue for some moustachioed dude to replicate the details of my landing card with his 1 finger typing into a PC. The rest of the airport is lovely, when eventually one gets to see it.

H. Einarsson

Sat, 11 Apr 2015, 8:46 pm

There was a mistake with one of my luggage, i.e. the agent forgot to put a sticker on it. This is of course just a mistake that can always happen. This could though have been a huge problem for us as we had just bought the suitcase and it didn't have our name and address on it. When this was discovered, staff at the airport looked through our luggage and found a picture inside that we had bought during our stay in Morocco. They then found us at the airport based on the picture and took me back to check in where I could verify that this was my suitcase. It was then checked in and I got it when I got back home, even though all the other luggage had already been loaded on the plane.

I think this service is exceptional, and I'm really thankful to the staff who helped us with this and saved us a lot of trouble with reporting the lost luggage etc. I'm not sure this would have been so easy for at many other airports.

C Brunet

Tue, 7 Apr 2015, 4:23 pm

Appalling customer service from the customs officers. 2 customs officer out of 3 actually working for a queue of hundreds of people, 2 more customs officers arrived worked about 5 minutes and then all officers got up at the same time and walked out, not sure if this was a protest or what but it took a few minutes for the new staff to arrive. We had arrived 2 hours before our flight and we barely made the flight and to top it off the attitude of the customs officer was very poor. Horrible experience.

Ingo Lueschen (Germany)

Sun, 5 Apr 2015, 12:46 pm

This comment is Rating and Information:
The Internet/ WiFi System is a bit confusing:
Before security/ passport control there is freenet WiFI Olanda, but not working. But the Trouble starts after security:
1. I tried to buy 60 minutes (5€) with Visa , but the securisation does not work, as the access is still blocked. 2) Then I tried to buy at one of the cafes ( MEDAS) but the 30 minutes Cards were gone. 3) But the Clerk from MEDAS was helpful, informing me that Venezia is offering free WiFi . 4) at the end I had to buy a Minimum 6€ package (Sandwich etc , for Internet or Visa ??) to get unlimited access.

tom (Switzerland)

Mon, 30 Mar 2015, 5:06 pm

hello
we were leaving marrakech this morning and unfortunately forgot an envelope while repacking stuff in front of the very first control. if anybody of the airport staff reads this message may you please send the envelope (incl. some business cards as well as a passenger ticket for public transport in Bern, Switzerland) to its owner?
thank you very much!

Tracy J (Uk)

Wed, 25 Feb 2015, 9:11 pm

I am disabled and need a wheelchair for travelling anything other than short distances. A little worried after being told by my other half he had booked us a trip to here for my birthday. I need not have been collected at the aircraft by a friendly young man and wheeled with my other half following through every check with polite staff stopping people to let us through we arrived at the door not content to leave us there he tracked down our taxi and wheeled us out. At bag reclaim he and a friendly bag 'thrower' found our bag before putting everyone else's onto the carousel. On returning to come home we were soon fetched a wheelchair from the check in desk and again I was whisked with my husband behind through the checks, on being searched at security I have to say the 'frisk' although intimate was nothing more than my daughter was trained three years ago to do at Stansted when the machine pulled someone at random. On reaching the gate we were told he would be back and he was to help us onto the plane. The only fault I can find is that of other people not appreciating how difficult life is for someone disabled and making it obvious they do not see why we need help. Not the airports fault. This airport could teach others in Europe and UK how to treat someone disabled.

Maamar DERAMCHI (France)

Sun, 15 Feb 2015, 10:47 am

I am a frequent traveler using RAK airport every 10 days.
I am a premium traveler, using business class tickets, and pay lot of money.
The premium desk at the police control is aways closed. We are oblige to use the normal line, always busy with low cost travelers, and wait hours to go trough.
It is the same problem for the security check and also for boarding process.
This situation is not normal or acceptable. The premium service is very poor.

Cecilia Keuffer (Brazil)

Wed, 7 Jan 2015, 8:08 am

Me and my son got here on January 5th...and waited maybe 10 minutes if so in a very short line, but of course, my flight was from Madrid, got in Casablanca around Noon. I have read lots of comments about long queues and was not my case. I was not body searched either or my son. The officials are boring like in UK too, at least they are with me, Because I m a foreigner. I don't get smiles in any custom booth in any country, but the official looked at me, asked the normal questions and let us go.

A Cottrell (UK)

Sun, 4 Jan 2015, 8:21 pm

Airport was absolutely fine on early evening of friday 2 January. The staff were all lovely (check-in, security and passport control). Everyone was friendly, helpful and positively jovial. I have to say it was nothing like the other posts have stated. Queues were very short. From arrival by taxi to clearing passport control was less than 30 minutes. No idea how normal that is as this was our first visit. I'm white british so can't comment on other posters' comments re racism but I can say it wasn't in evidence in the queue in front of me. Remember to complete the departure form before you try to go through security or you'll be sent back to get one.

Leaving was definitely quicker than arrival - on arrival passport control took about an hour but all desks were manned there were just lots of flights arriving at the same time. Make sure you get two stamps in your passport on arrival (mine only had one) so the second chap who checks the first chap has done his job properly sent me back! On arrival you go through passport control then before you go through to baggage collection a second person checks you have the right stamps in your passport - if you don't you'll struggle to leave!

Overall airport was same as any other these days

John Land

Sun, 4 Jan 2015, 12:06 am

the queue for security was long , the checking of luggage was poor ( my can of drink didn't get picked up by X-ray , toiletries left in cases )

the passport control queue was a mass scrum with pushing in , no lines ( no barriers to allow lines ) . No one was in control .

An airport is the public face of a country to the rest of the world and this face said we are still disorganised and poorly managed

Catherine (Traveled from UK with Easyjet) (Ireland)

Wed, 17 Dec 2014, 2:05 pm

I read the comments on this page before traveling so was not exactly looking forward to flying in and out of Marrakech Airport but I have to say that my experience in Marrakech airport was fairly typical of my experience in airports all around the world. The frisk by a female member of the security team was entirely standard. There were at least a couple of hundred passengers waiting to clear immigration on departure but there were 30 immigration officers at work so everybody was through in about 20 minutes - it took at least as long to clear immigration in Gatwick on arrival back in the UK. Airport staff weren't exactly full of the joys of spring but when are they ever?? Morocco was great!

A ducth citizen (the Netherlands)

Tue, 16 Dec 2014, 5:02 pm

During passport control the guy who was checking my passport asked me if i am from kurdistan...what a stupid question. I am Dutch and the guy was thinking that i had Turkish roots. Also in this case i do not undestand the question ragdring kurdistan. There is no country called kurdistan....i saw this question as a very stupid and undiplomatic question.

Arriving this country with this stupid question at the desk created a negative/ irritating access to this country.

Never again....sorry next time i will visit the beautiful country Turkey. Marocco never again....

I Jenny

Tue, 2 Dec 2014, 3:44 pm

I have used this airport at least a dozen of times in the last 4 years and not once have I experienced any of the other passengers listed concerns : harassment, rude staff, long queues...etc! for those not happy with the frisk search,"I can't relate to a touchy feely" type in any trip) you don't need to have traveled a great deal to know that is something every airport in the world carries out, albeit with a consent, but do you really have a choice not to? with all the madness in today's world, I'd rather people were being searched extensively on the ground then risk having issues in the air!!!

What I have seen time and again however, is the appalling attitude of supposedly civilized travelers, jumping queues, with foul language at will and random criticism of the everything and everyone around as if they never had to queue or wait to be called anywhere else before. not to mention those with "I know it all" kind of behavior arriving to what they had already labelled a 3rd world country.

Some people traveled to Australia and have been fined a hefty sum for forgetting to declare a banana, other got away with bags full of "dodgy" food, who do you blame for that kind of experience? again do you get over it and enjoy the rest of your time/life or you remain bitter and label the place a no go zone?

like anywhere else in the world, there are "rotten apples" in a bunch, but if anything, Moroccans are very tolerant and extremely hospitable, even those in the most remote corner of the land. I am of mixed ethnic background and I don't recall an instance when I was frowned upon for my skin color, or any other reason for that matter, not at the airport, not in the souks or in a tiny villages.

Different people have different customs and mindsets and an open mind does help when things are not necessarily square shaped...!!!

S Wong (Australia)

Sun, 30 Nov 2014, 4:55 pm

Hello,

Re: airport security

I have a 50 cm tripod that I need for my camera and would like to check if this could be put in my carry on baggage (i.e. hand baggage). Is this item allowed or not?

Please advise and thank you.

Lorna Cooke (London)

Sun, 16 Nov 2014, 7:13 am

I arrived at the airport recently and as others have said a 2 hour passport control queue greeted me. Therefore when I read about the inappropriate search and other difficulties when leaving the country, I was scared and had a restless night as I was travelling alone.

I made sure I got to the airport early, ready for what was to come. Check in was easy, customs took away some oil that I had but not before offerring for me to go back and check in the bag, and the official who searched me barely touched me.

I dont know why people want to scaremonger, but those at the airport where just as gracious as the people of the country in general. To a woman travelling on her own this is important.

Del Burgess (UK)

Thu, 13 Nov 2014, 1:13 pm

Arrived on 31 October and the experience was ok, but the signs werent great so we had a little trouble finding where to reclaim our baggage. When we left on 8 November, it couldnt have been more different. First the transfer taxi couldnt get close to the terminal because of the line of other taxis dropping off passengers on a road next to the car park with just one lane! The BAg drop for EasyJet was chaos. A number of people were trying to check in other members of their party without all the passports and boarding cards so the queue was choked. When I tried to check on our single bag, I had to leave the line and get my partner from elsewhere to get her baording pass also. The line to passport contyrol was never ending, and the process to check our passports and landing cards took so long as not only could the people checking not stay focussed on what they were doing, being distracted by colleagues and passing passengers, the three time my passport was checked was twice too many. No less than 5 metres through passport control we were stopped by another official to check the passports again! Duty free will only accept Dirhams for Morrocan Goods! The bag drop to boarding gate journey took 2 hours! OUr plane was late to leave by 40 minutes. This airport is the worst I have ever been to. What a sorry end to a great week in Morocco.

Freda Jones (UK)

Thu, 13 Nov 2014, 10:34 am

I recently visited Marrakech and was horrified to have to wait 2 hours after landing in a passport control queue that threatened to break out into a riot - it was like being in a football stadium after the match! It was hot, no air conditioning, it was also late and there were women travelling alone with their children, all made to stand in a stationary line. The officials were rude and unhelpful and the passport control booths (where manned) contained bored unenthusiastic "workers" who seemed to be playing some bureaucratic game! I was completely disgusted with the lack of greeting we received, we certainly were not welcomed to the country. 2 hours is an unreasonable amount of time to wait in a hot rugby scrum. The exit from the country was no better. I waited a full thirty minutes before I was rudely frisked by a woman even though I hadn't set off the security alarm. I then had to wait a further hour to have my passport looked at in the same cattle market style as when I entered the country. I was about to miss my flight along with several other people and we tried to get the attention of the officials who did not want to know. This is no way to treat your tourists! It was obvious to me that your passport control officials are waiting for bribes from the people you hold at the window for 10 minutes or more. Your racist, sexist attitudes along with your rudeness will win you no friends and ultimately the tourists will cease to come and bring money to your country. Sort it out, I will not be recommending Marrakech to anyone.

Arrival the 10 of october 2014 01H30pm.
Incredible, i have never seen that before. 2 hours to cross the passport control without any informations, any excuses. Only 2 or three staff for 3 planes arriving at the same time. This is not acceptable.
I came 30 times in morocco, usually it's long but this day was the worth.
Menara airport is building a new terminal to increase their capacity. But it's not necessary because they are not able to manage the first one.
Menara airport is certificated iso 9001, let me laugh.

Shahzad (Uk)

Sun, 12 Oct 2014, 7:52 pm

I was prepared for worst after reading the reviews but everything was very nice. Clean little airport.i agree they asked me about actual nationality as I am of Pakistani origin with British citizenship.i personally didn't mind.dont ruin your trip at this gesture as Morocco is a beautiful place to explore. Staff was efficient though there were 4 flights to check in.
Enjoy Morocco and don't be judgemental

H Goulding (UK)

Sun, 5 Oct 2014, 2:40 pm

Border control queues here are ridiculous - we waited 90 mins on arrival (Monday evening 20:00h) and 40 mins on departure (Saturday afternoon 14:00). The problem is the bored, slow officials in the booths who move furniture around, chat to their pals, type with one finger... Meanwhile angry and rude people jump the queue and officials do nothing. Make sure you allow LOTS of time to get through these queues, or you are in serious danger of missing your flight home.

Shane O'Mahony (England)

Mon, 29 Sep 2014, 3:07 pm

Having read some of the earlier comments about inappropriate searching of female passengers I thought I would see if there was any justification to this as I waited for my wife to come through security. Normally when an airport has a functioning body scanner, only those who cause the scanner to bleep get searched. At Marrakesh Menara Airport however, I could see that absolutely everyone gets body-searched. The female security guard on duty at the time, who did not look Moroccan at all, felt the breasts and then the crotch of every woman passenger. Moroccan women got the same treatment, albeit somewhat lighter and more respectful. Attractive western women were subjected to a more probing 'search'. I saw about a dozen women being searched, and virtually all looked surprised/aghast at the body search they had just experienced - as well they might, because it only focused on these areas. There was no other patting down at all - if it was a search aimed at finding concealed weapons etc it was utterly useless. The body search for men was not intrusive like this, but it too was not thorough either. I think the Moroccam airport authority should think hard about changing this process, perhaps installing machines that can be trusted to do a prelimary scanning, and perhaps not employing people who seem to revel in inappropriate body searches.

S Hughes (England)

Thu, 25 Sep 2014, 2:32 pm

The worst airport I have ever been too....The passport control staff were outrageously rude and the woman at security gave a highly inappropriate frisk search...just touching my breasts and crotch, she then called me back and did it again!! this is assault surely...!!Left a very bad taste in my mouth and has certainly put off friends and family going to Morrocco....if an Airport Manager reads these comments then they should do something about this situation immediately...

Stéphane Friedrich (London)

Sun, 21 Sep 2014, 12:20 pm

Arab spring! Fantastic that the authorities don't take all this comments off theire own website. Organized crime, thefth, sexual harasement, racial prejudice, inorganisation, rudeness, corruption, all leading back to them. I hope the reason for not taking it off the web is not that they don't understand English ;-). l

Neil (manchester)

Sat, 20 Sep 2014, 7:19 am

Simply, it is the worst and slowest anywhere on planet earth. I will never return to your country just becuase it was so slow.

U. Wort (Germany)

Thu, 18 Sep 2014, 1:51 pm

Your staff is not polite and has no manners.

You have way to low personel to handle passport control.

And your system is outdated.

Also you dont feel well in the airport. Its not an nice atmosphere where you want to stay and eat or drink something.
Also where is Mc Donald or Burger King?

The worst is that nothing seems to be changing.
Times stands still in Morocco.

Rasa (Lithuania)

Wed, 17 Sep 2014, 9:51 pm

I live in Marrakesh and traveling very often back to my home country. The airport passport control was always terrible. The same situation 4 years ago and now. I guess is the way Moroccans are working and you cant change anything. I also go to the airport at least 3 hours before departure to be sure I will pass the control in time.

Nick Hughes (United Kingdom)

Tue, 16 Sep 2014, 10:55 am

Your passport control colleagues are the most rude, ignorant and unhelpful of any airport in the world. To add to this your security staff searched my girlfriend and only felt her breasts and female genitals. Why?? Your staff tarnished our impressing of the otherwise very friendly people we met in Morocco!! I can also see from the other reviews that there is not much positive to say about your staff!1

Brenda (UK)

Mon, 8 Sep 2014, 11:14 am

I am a Security Advisor so fully understand the imptrtance of security. I was travelling with 5 other females we are all in our 50's & 60's and each one of us was touched by grabbing the bust and the crotch but that was it ?? so not sure why as this was indecent assault and you would not have found anything prohibited with such a very bad search. Each one of this was done to and the arch did not activate at all on any of us. I cannot believe you would search all females this way.

Dang (United Kingdom)

Mon, 25 Aug 2014, 5:52 pm

Passport control wouldn't accept that i was a British Citizen. I was travelling with my 3 children and felt extremely vulnerable. The police officer asked me where my parents were from, then the origin of my Husband and his family. I told him they weren't travelling and he had no right to ask me these questions. He laughed with his colleague, changed my British status on my form to Pakistani and stamped it. My children sensed the disrespect. I won't be travelling to this country again. The respect for British non white females is non existent. The Moroccan government need to look at this problem and sort it out.

Savio (Italy)

Thu, 14 Aug 2014, 12:06 pm

Does anybody know when the last bus from the airport to the city center leave?

John Zak (England)

Sun, 10 Aug 2014, 5:54 pm

9th August 2014 - EZ1894 Marrakech to Manchester 18.55
Travelling back home after 2 weeks in Morocco the most negative experience of my family's trip was the way we were treated at passport control. How rude and unhelpful your staff there are. We arrived 2.5 hours before our flight and passed through check in and security reasonable quickly. We then hit the large queue to get through passport control. How shocking. In my line of maybe a 100 people there was just 1 person manning the cubicle, spending betweem 2 and 3 minutes per person checking their details (mainly British and French nationals). There were 26 passport checking booths, only 10 or so were in operation. After 90 minutes in the queue we realised we might miss our plane (as were many of our fellow passengers). We alerted the staff to our predicament but were met with hostility, rudeness and people who wanted to argue and not help. After another 15 minutes of repeated attempts to get somebody's attention we eventually got pushed to the front of all the queues and managed to get on to our aeroplane home with 5 minutes to spare. This situation applied to me, my wife and our 4 children, as well as the family we were travelling with and many other passengers. This was a very stressful experience for us all.
Needless to say it was hot, without air conditioning and we all became quite dry as we could not access fluid, additionally there were no toilet facilities.
The inward journey also resulted in a 60 minute delay at passport control, the pressure was different then as the only delay was getting to our hotel, and not missing a flight. You know which flights are going out and when, you have a good idea when passengers are coming in. It is clear that you need more staff on the rota to man all the booths, that change can happen within days or weeks.
I appreciate at Marrakech you are building a new terminal but I would urge you to look at your systems and staff training now; and introduce more staff to man the booths now, and to also bring in technology to electronically read passports and do away with the paper system for embarkation forms you have now.
I appreciate King Mohamed VI wishes to boost the number of tourists travelling to Morocco. This for me is the main factor that will make that goal unachievable. People do feedback and share their experience with other potential tourists.
You urgently need to look at your passport control systems.
Please respond to me with an acknowledgement that you are taking my experience seriously and please indicate how you propose to improve things.

Tim

Sun, 10 Aug 2014, 8:08 am

The airport is a complete shambles. I flew into the airport for a holiday and then waited over 1 hour 30 minutes to get my passport stamped. I was lucky. There were others with babies they were carrying waiting over 2 hours to get through passport control. An official who was asked what the problem wad said "no comment" which I assume means this is the usual shabby service. The airport only had 2 arrivals but only 5 people "working" which means they spent most of the time bickering with each other and not processing passports. No information provided in a very hot airport. Would I come here again? Not likely.

MARTA FORZAN (italy)

Fri, 18 Jul 2014, 1:09 pm

For the Director Menara Marrakech airport. I am a journalist Marta Forzan from Italy and I would like to offer my congratulations to Mr. AZALMAK SAILAH EDONE, an extraordinary person and very professional. His help and his kindness has enabled us to overcome a very difficult situation. So Thank you and congratulations. In very few airports you can find a lot of solidarity and professionalism.
THANKS MARTA FORZAN

Peter Boyle (Ireland)

Tue, 15 Jul 2014, 9:15 am

Arrived from Dublin last wednesday evening.Passport control was a nightmare.Three planes just arrived and only five staff on the counters.On the return It was a lot quicker but the toilet cleaners were holding out their hands for money.Basically begging inside an international airport??????

J. Wetting (Nederland)

Mon, 2 Jun 2014, 9:22 am

Where can I put an official complain about misbehaving personnel? Specific the young man that was at check-in number 15 on Saturday 31 May at 8:30 - 9:00. I hope the airport has saved the security camera pictures that show how this man was yelling and behaving like a madman at my address. There was no argument... since the man was speaking a language I don't understand. When I told him (in English) that I didn't understand him and his behaviour was inappropriate, he stated that I did not respect him... This guy must have a serious mental problem. And indeed, after his insane behaviour there is no place for any respect at all. At an airport there is no place for such personnel. I hereby ask the responsible airport manager to watch the security camera pictures and discipline the misbehaving person (best, fire personnel that is as instable as he is).

Sara Hillman (USA)

Tue, 27 May 2014, 6:26 pm

I left Marrakech on Monday, May 26th, 2014 on Flight Iberia 8377 to Madrid. When I picked up my checked-in piece of luggage in Madrid, I noticed some of the zippers weren't all the way closed but I didn't think much of it until I got to my hotel in Madrid and realized this morning that my bag of jewelry had been stolen. Now I was stupid not to carry it with me, but I've traveled all over the world and never have had anything stolen, so I didn't worry too much about it (will from now on!) I lost two pendants and about 8 pairs of jewelry which I purchased in Morocco. They weren't expensive things, but they were unique and represented experiences and people and I'm very sad they are gone. I also lost some of my favorite jewelry from home including two pairs of earrings and a unique necklace which has "Egypt" written in Arabic. I had such a great time in Morocco and it's a shame that the security there (or possibly in Madrid) put a damper on that. Does anyone know if there is a way I can officially report this? If any airport officials are reading this and have any information about my stolen jewelry, please contact me at greeklassie@yahoo.com. Other passengers--beware! Always carry all your gifts/purchases/valuables with you. Rookie mistake on my part.

Rajesh Sutrave (London)

Wed, 14 May 2014, 11:01 pm

I had hired a car from Dollar Rent a car company @Marrakesh Airport.

1. As security deposit, instead of blocking the security fee of ~£900 they immediately deducted the amount from my card with my bank charging an additional £28 on non-sterling transaction Fee.
2. Due to a small scratch on the car, they withheld my entire deposit amount and were finally due a refund of MAD 2000. I have been chasing them for this for nearly 3 months continuously making international phone calls from London.
3. Instead of a refund of MAD 2000, they once again charged my credit card with an additional £884 and £27 non-sterling transaction.
4. Dollar Rent a Car customer care services is the worst i have ever seen in my life, they don't respond to my emails and i have been spending money making international phone calls to follow up on my refunds.
5. I am going through hell with the Dollar rent a car company. Please help.

Can someone please tell me where i can complain along with the phone numbers so that strict action is taken against this company who are taking tourists for a ride and misusing their credit card.

We are two females just back from Marrakech. After checking in for our departure flight at Menara Airport we went through security. We were "inappropriately" patted down / molested by a female security guard who was smiling and laughing during it. We have never experienced anything like it in any other airport. The scanner did not go off. She seemed to target foreign younger women. This has put us off travelling to Marrakech again.

RZC (LONDON)

Fri, 18 Apr 2014, 10:34 am

I had an atrocious experience at Menara airport on my way back to London.

- I hold FRENCH nationality and I am a UK resident.
- I am mixed-race (non-white)
- I was asked two times by the passport control officer in French : 'What is your father's origin' when the officer was checking my passport.

The officer as not willing to believe or accept that I was an actual French citizen and a UK RESIDENT.

- I also witnessed two other non-white tourists holding French nationality having to show other an other ID and being asked similar questions

D.Rodricks

Fri, 28 Mar 2014, 3:25 am

Just returned from this airport yesterday, travelling with a party of 20. Unfriendly, slow staff,we waited so long to get through customs that we almost missed our flight. 2 members of our group were told that they were not allowed to board any luggage as there was nothing on the computer screen ! It was eventually sorted out but with literally minutes to spare. Several of us were innapropriately touched by a female guard as we came through security, seriously I consider myself to have been molested ! She touched my breasts and private parts and nothing else... if it'd have happened in the UK I would have complained IMMEDIATELY & LOUDLY. It's a total disgrace !!! Feel very angry and am posting this to warn female travellers. I doubt if the authorities will do anything, having travelled to Morocco many times in the past I know that corruption is everywhere.

I recently visited Morocco at an invitation from the Tourist Board, and had a truly nice time. That is, until I got to the airport. In addition to being searched for dirham - including having the inspector go through every pocket of my purse and wallet, and stick her hands into the pockets of the jacket I was still wearing, then question why I had press materials that were half in Arabic, as if that were in violation of some law, even though these very materials were provided for me to assist with my article - I was quite appalled at the personnel in the VIP lounges. As an Executive Platinum/Emerald member of OneWorld, I was flying Iberia, and had arrived almost three hours early to my flight, planning to send some work documents from the lounge. When I arrived however, the woman at the desk - who was already glaring at me as my arrival meant she had to get up from the couch where she was curled up - insisted that the lounge was for Iberia card holders only, and that Iberia's OneWorld arrangement meant nothing. When I asked to speak to someone from Iberia, she glared at me, then declared that I couldn't use the lounge. When I tried to show me her cards, she muttered something at me in a language I do not speak, then called someone on her cell phone and started angrily ranting until I left. Frustrated, I tried to find someone from Iberia to clarify, only to discover that there is absolutely no customer service after security. A kind man from Royal Air Maroc tried to intervene on my behalf, but as soon as the employee saw me, she started ranting again, this time at the man, who emerged and said he really thought it was better I just leave. I have rarely been treated so rudely in an airport (especially as someone with top status within a frequent flyer program) and I will be sure to reflect upon this in the magazine article I am preparing. At least I did manage to get the employee's name: Camela Tali, No 20805.

Josef and Bernadette (Swiss)

Sun, 9 Feb 2014, 2:04 pm

Because there is no other way to say thanks, I do it on this platform. Possibly somebody may forward it to the person it concerns.
The chief woman of the checking-in of the Menara Airport helped us, Saturday 8.2.2014 to go on the plane with Easy Jet, although we arrived late at the checking-in. I do not know, why she helped us, but she did so. We very much appreciate her helpfullness and say "thank you very much". May you get help also, in the case you need it once, as we could experience it.

Simon (UK)

Sun, 19 Jan 2014, 11:09 pm

I'm afraid that if you mislay or lose anything in Morocco, particularly high value items, you have zero chance of it being returned to you and should consider it gone forever. Sorry to say but the motto in Morocco seems to be 'finders-keepers'.

Robert McManus (United States)

Sat, 11 Jan 2014, 10:52 am

I left my iPhone in the taxi which took me to the airport. I was wondering if there was a lost and found or airport police number that I could call. When I called before the man with whom I tried to speak (I only speak english and spanish)told me "je ne comprends/ (I don't understand) and then hung up the phone.

polo (england)

Wed, 1 Jan 2014, 12:24 pm

Police in airport is so rude and very bad with local people. Very bad organisation and poor website no updated.horrible airport

i franco (portugal)

Sun, 20 Oct 2013, 11:22 pm

what a shameful control passport today, october 20, at Marrakesh airport leaving Morocco. I am portuguese, and if the delay was while coming into the country I might understand, but foreigners leaving the country, why such control? I think they were on strike or some other problem because we were on a queue for almost 1h30, that is not normal.At least in a normal country, but maybe Morocco is an undevelloped country, third world, incompetent and corrupt. the woman police in the control booth took about 3 minutes with each person, I think she was joking with all passengers, mainly all tourists, no respect at all. What a bad impression about the country while leaving, I think I will never come back. It was very hot, my daughter suffers from Chron desease, and was feeling very bad. I called some responsable but he only cried to me: "patientez comme tout le monde" (wait like everybody else).After a while my daughter fainted, had to call the airport nurse, but the police did not care a bit! UNHUMAN and SAVAGES! Will never come back!

bittu gherra (india)

Thu, 17 Oct 2013, 7:14 am

airport expreess verry hiligth responese airport staff verry good

James Grey (UK)

Mon, 14 Oct 2013, 4:48 pm

Airport is OK but the taxi drivers who serve it are complete crooks and cheats. Gives a very bad first impression to visitors to Morocco. Also, no information available at the airport when I arrived on evening Easyjet flight, so impossible to find out about airport buses -- if there are any at the time or other info about getting into town. In sum, this adds up to a really stressful and unpleasant introduction to Morocco, especially after you've already had to put up with an Easyjet flight. It really is enough to put you off visiting Marrakech.

David Goldstein (Berkshire, UK)

Fri, 11 Oct 2013, 5:41 pm

Good points:
1. very clean airport
2. short queues at the passport
3. no waiting for the checked bags. Were already on the conveyor belt
4. large arrival to find those waiting for me
5. very large car park - very cheap to park. 7Dh (50p) for 1 hour parking
6. Easyjet flight was super - clean plane. Arrived 30 minutes earlier with a most cheerful, super staff on the flight.
7. got in time for the "Fantasia" entertainment on the outskirts of the Marrakesh - 300Dh (£20) for a super 5 course meal + 150Dh (£10) for the show (show was not bad - the mobile cabaret was far better).
6. No stress to go through the airport. Pleasant experience for myself, overall.

Bad points - only one
1. Only to non-white passengers with British passport are rudely harassed by the passport officers. They deny all non-white are British literary! A poor chap infront of me was shouted at he is not British, but he was born in London with British passport. He was pressured to say he is "Pakistani" many times as if the tourist is in a criminal (he told afterwards as I tried to comfort him, that he was 4rd generation British not even from South Asia!). I saw this to another non-white British passport holder gentleman - he was a doctor. I am a Jew, and this felt like my grandparents told me was how Nazis treated Jews in Nazi Germany. It was a shocking traumatic experience for these clearly British accent, British born non-white travelers coming INTO Morocco. This prejudice fascist racist harassment is uncalled for and was not nice.
I am glad I am white, who the passport officers did not ask my origin, as I am 2nd generation British - parents from Lithuania and Romania respectively. But I am white skinned, so I was treated nicely with smile and kind greeting!
Amazing how Muslims and brown skinned passport officers treat their fellow colour and faith followers with contempt and as if are criminals coming to their country! How ironic!

David Goldstein (Berkshire, UK)

Fri, 11 Oct 2013, 3:21 pm

Good points:
1. very clean airport
2. short queues at the passport
3. no waiting for the checked bags. Were already on the conveyor belt
4. large arrival to find those waiting for me
5. very large car park - very cheap to park. 7Dh (50p) for 1 hour parking
6. Easyjet flight was super - clean plane. Arrived 30 minutes earlier with a most cheerful, super staff on the flight.
7. got in time for the "Fantasia" entertainment on the outskirts of the Marrakesh - 300Dh (£20) for a super 5 course meal + 150Dh (£10) for the show (show was not bad - the mobile cabaret was far better).
6. No stress to go through the airport. Pleasant experience for myself, overall.

Bad points - only one
1. Only to non-white passengers with British passport are rudely harassed by the passport officers. They deny all non-white are British literary! A poor chap infront of me was shouted at he is not British, but he was born in London with British passport. He was pressured to say he is "Pakistani" many times as if the tourist is in a criminal (he told afterwards as I tried to comfort him, that he was 4rd generation British not even from South Asia!). I saw this to another non-white British passport holder gentleman - he was a doctor. I am a Jew, and this felt like my grandparents told me was how Nazis treated Jews in Nazi Germany. It was a shocking traumatic experience for these clearly British accent, British born non-white travelers coming INTO Morocco. This prejudice fascist racist harassment is uncalled for and was not nice.
I am glad I am white, who the passport officers did not ask my origin, as I am 2nd generation British - parents from Lithuania and Romania respectively. But I am white skinned, so I was treated nicely with smile and kind greeting!
Amazing how Muslims and brown skinned passport officers treat their fellow colour and faith followers with contempt and as if are criminals coming to their country! How ironic!

sue corder (United Kingdom)

Mon, 7 Oct 2013, 6:30 pm

i found no problems with airport staff. no queues. perhaps as it was the end of sept things were not as busy. we had a nice lunch there as well.

Matt Thompson (UK)

Wed, 4 Sep 2013, 7:58 pm

My experience was great, after reading comments on here I eas expecting a disaster. On arrival it took less than 10mins to clear immigration, the bags csme off quickly. Upon departure outside the airport the police just looked us as we walked through, didnt have to show psssport or ticket confirmation.
Check in was quick, security was less than 5mins and immigration on the way out was about 10mins. The officer just stamped my passport and didnt say anything to me.No questions, nothing.
In fact this airport seems more efficient than Heathrow, CDG and JFK put together.
On top of that I checked in expensive luggage and nothing was taken.
Overall I was most impressed with Marrakech airport.

Charly Lambert (Manchester, UK)

Sun, 25 Aug 2013, 3:48 pm

I'm half french who holds a French passport living in England and I never had any problems at all ;P

As soon we have checked in and quickly showed our passports with the flight ticket to the policeman outside for 30 secs he smiled and let us through :) and Ofcourse it's mandatory that you must get searched invade of any weapons such as blades etc even in UK Airports. And that is fine!

To Passport control, if you are pretty inpatient and felt like you have been waiting too long Menara does NOT use the latest technologly like the EU airports and they must enter the things on the Computer by Hand this is the reason that it will be slow, after all this is a busy airport.

The airport has reasons to show gates in the last 5 mins before opening because the departure gates is quite small and if they showed it for example 30 mins before opening this will create a problem on huge queues etc.

And indeed they do announce flights :)

So to us it was quite well :3

- Note
Seeing reports of black British, The Moroccan Passport control has problems in the past with African immigrants from such countries as Senegal Mali and countries like that who got smuggled in the country also these immigrants try head for Europe by boat to Spain which Morocco and Spain works together to stop it.

The reason why the Moroccan passport controls is being a lol racist to Black people there has been many cases of that many obtain illegal/fake passports to earn their way to Europe that's why Morocco has a tough stance on it if you do understand this you will know why.

And I also this that A German got stop on the motorway, only reasons that Gendermerie stop people on the motorway is because of speeding so this is the only case that could happen.

emb (France)

Sun, 18 Aug 2013, 4:01 pm

Everything was ok at the Menara Airport except...
that I had to pay the personal for the toilets before boarding.
We pay taxes by buying our tickets and we have to pay again in an area where you don't have any other facility !!!

Martin Graham (England)

Fri, 2 Aug 2013, 7:32 pm

The contact page only has options to phone, and would benefit from an email contact adrress. There is no contact telephone details re lost property / missing and found; and if you phone you and ask for this you are given different numbers to phone that turn out to be wrong.

When we arrived at the airport at 17.00 hour nobody could tell us that the flight was delayed. We checked in our suitcases en we will wait. There was no information about the flight. At 18.30 the bords at the airport say that the flight was on 18.20. There was no communication. We had contact with people in Holland so the could tell us that the flight will be at 23.00. When we are checked in and we sit at the airplane our flight is annuled.
There was no communication or information at the airport about our flight. This is a bad thing.

cgo (london)

Thu, 20 Jun 2013, 6:18 pm

John duqesa or DUCKY! LOL
(YOU ARE ALLOWED)to put alcohol in your suitcase and you was put right on this matter on the TA forum by pam redboots so the booze was nicked wasn't it. I see you are well liked on this forum with your bias opinions but you cannot have your little gang back you up and have posts deleted.

ozy (LONDON)

Thu, 20 Jun 2013, 5:51 pm

I see here a when people make a complaint John always pops up to defend Morocco. He does the same on a well know travel forum where he masquerades as a travel expert LOL. Actually hes a transvestite & lives in London.

Anna Morris (England)

Wed, 19 Jun 2013, 2:10 pm

I am a female British Police Officer and of mixed race heritage. I am half black and half white. I went to Morrocco with 9 other women all off different ages. I am 30 and I was treated awfully by the staff whereas all my white friends were not. I was searched longer than my friends and quite uncomfortably. When going through passport control, the male demanaded to know where I was from. I said England. He didn't believe me. He demanded then to know where my parents are from. I said England. I knew he was being racist so I said parents are born in London, they are British. He didn't believe me. I then said why. He refused to answer. After more ignorance he left me through whereas my friends were let through no questions asked. I have to say, it really ruined my holiday. I am privately educated and degree educated and a Police Officer and was treated with no respect. It was awful. I will know not recommend Morrocco. RACIST AIRPORT UNFRIENDLY STAFF

Mohamed (Marrakech living in canada)

Tue, 11 Jun 2013, 9:49 am

firstly i would like to apologize to all who had a bad experience at Marrakech airport .
*I totally agree that our police force they are very rude corrupted all the ways ,no respect of human right ,low educated ,and the list is very long.
*facilities such (toilet ,first aid,information )out of sight.
*Every where u have to pay extra (Sometimes personally i don't mind)but it's really to much even for simple things ,
*Morocco is a poor country, but don't be surprised if u find out that it's become expensive as Paris or London.
*you still will enjoy your time in Marrakech and you may have different opinion.

Heather Tucker (Flying from/to the Netherlands but UK/US citizen)

Sun, 2 Jun 2013, 10:34 am

I had no problems arriving at Menara Airport. The airport was clean and calm. The passport control went smoothly and as fast as it goes in any busy airport. Also no problems at the luggage belts which are all clearly marked. Some luggage had fallen off the belts (piled too high or through people grabbing their stuff and letting others fall) so do have a good look near the belt if it seems like your suitcase has not come out yet.

Leaving the airport I also had no problems. Transavia check-in was quick and efficient. Security check was also fast, no one opened any bags and the pat down was less than I have experienced in other airports. There are clear signs showing the lines for males and females.

Again passport control was as fast as it is in other busy airports and everyone was quite normal and polite.

There are plenty of shops near the gates. They all indicate Euros on the windows but I didn't buy anything so I have no idea if it was possible to buy in other currencies. Toilets are free but the cleaners do stand nearby clinking their change, so I can understand how it might be confusing if you miss the "free toilets" sign which is on the wall outside.

Overall, just a normal airport.

Maja Schultess (Germany)

Sun, 2 Jun 2013, 8:57 am

Dear Sirs and Madams!

As there is not email address to contact the airport I post this search here and hope that someone who is responsible for forgotten luggage will look after it...

Before the flight from Marrakesh RAK to Frankfurt Hahn on April, about 16:00, I forgot in the bar in the waiting area or the the departure area two items:
1. a scarf (big, beige, with some red hearts and green and blue and pink “items” … and
2. my large sunglasses (Tom Ford) with case (they look like a big lying 8)

I miss those things a lot and would be very very glad to get them back. Could you please have a look in your lost found box and let me know if these two things are still around, so that I could get them back?

Regards
Maja Schulteß

Imran Khan (UK)

Fri, 31 May 2013, 1:42 pm

continuted from last message (ending not printed on the page for some reason):

No one here has criticized Morocco - the land, culture, the public, but the officials an their abuse of position and ultra-vires power.

Please comprehend this. If this Moroccan person under the pseudonym "John" does not respect the objective comments by those here, best to keep ones provocative and irking comments to oneself, or convey them on his playground forum on this other website to his hearts content, backbiting us, than to abuse and graffiti this "Passenger Feedback" with no Passenger feedback of one being at Menara Airport - he has not done so.

Thank you once again Ken.

Imran Khan (UK)

Fri, 31 May 2013, 9:34 am

@ Ken,
(please ignore "Thu, 30 May 2013, 3:05 pm" message - inadvertently clicked and sent in draft stage and was printed, not the official one I did send later but not printed on the page, for I copied and pasted from my word program the wrong file by my secretary. Many profuse apologies)

I do thank you kindly for the information. I am humbled.
It was most gracious of you to have done research on "John" and convey your findings here. Much obliged sir.

I do not have the time or inclination to do research such a person, as you kindly have done so. It is clear investigation though irrelevant, what you clearly and cleverly tell that this person "John" uses different pseudonyms this person wishes to use, to clearly do mischief as you have cemented this, on another website he " rebuts" them for any "criticism" or even , as here any mere "comment" of ones 1st hand experience of their objective facts and evidence. I stick to the facts, logic and wisdom. Not on hearsays or as today on the net, people do, and entitled if they wish, hide their real name, etc etc. totally irrelevant also and a tangent on the crux issue.

In my case for his crass comment to tell me to "grow up" on my complaint of abuse of my rights. This surely if "John" have any sense or decency, was a most uncalled unwise derogatory comment to say and insulting to say the least. this is not to rebut but to cause mischief and spread evil. It is not nice at all.

He is welcome to rebutt, but must do so with proper civil and decorum and that on the facts, issues raised, than to brush them aside , or to generalize them or unwisely accuse all to be anti-Moroccan, anti-Muslim, with no logic, sense or sensibility but with insolent and vagabond attitude, is not befitting for an gentleman.

I assure anyone that personally my experience is not a lie or false in any form or manner, and seeing how many others non-white UK citizens are also informing of their experience.

If this person, whose anti-jewish and blind Moroccan patriotism rhetoric clearly demonstrated he is a Muslim and Moroccan who uses alternative pseudonyms 'John Duqesa" aka 'John W' is a white person, naturally he will not have the same experience as non-white UK/EU nationals have had.

Facts have been written here by people from their experience. If one does not agree, so as to call one a liar, then one is provoking one and so causing mischief and being disrespectful.

I can assuredly says on the areas of the conduct of the airport officials esp the females to NON-WHITE and FEMALES persons from UK/EU is clearly evident, the former myself being non-white.

If the person with "John" is white and male, then of course, naturally he will not be inappropriately handled by the female officers as numerous women here are complaining, nor to be asked if he is "Pakistani" or "African" being non-white.

I know 100%, if I were white skinned and being still of the male gender, I would have had no problems, and if I do not use empathy and think in someone else's shoes, would also unwisely jump to the conclusion, skewing over the array of voices of bemusement here on this site, that they are wrong, and then with no reason, basis, accuse all of being anti-Muslim, anti-Moroccan, to people who booked a holiday, hotel and voluntary went to Morocco to enjoy the country as a guest, only to be treated with vilification on the basis of their skin colour - this is wrong.

Be it may happen in other nations, that this "John" has irrevocably raised took the time to write here, is irrelevant - this website is not a forum as he has hijacked as so, but as a "Passenger Feedback" of people's experiences - good or bad.

No one here has criticized Morocco - the land, culture, the public, but the officials an their abuse of position and ultra-vires power.

Please comprehend this. If this Moroccan person under the pseudonym "John" does not respect the objective comments by those here, best to keep ones provocative and irking comments to oneself, or convey them on his playground forum on this other website to h

Imran Khan (UK)

Thu, 30 May 2013, 3:05 pm

@ Ken,
I do thank you kindly for the information.

I do not have the time or inclination to do research such a person, as you suggest. It is irrelevant what you clearly tell uses different pseudonyms this person wishes to use, to clearly do mischief as you have cemented this, on another website he " rebuts" them for any "criticism" or even , as her any mere "comment" of ones 1st hand experience of their objective facts and evidence. I stick to the facts, logic and wisdom. Not on hearsays or as today on the net, people do, and entitled if they wish, hide their real name, etc etc. totally irrelevant also and a tangent on the crux issue.

In my case for his crass comment to tell me to "grow up" on my complaint of abuse of my rights. This surely if you have any sense or decency, was a most uncalled unwise derogatory comment to say and insulting to say the least. this is not to rebut but to cause mischief and spread evil. It is not nice at all.

He is welcome to rebutt, but must do so with proper civil and decorum and that on the facts, issues raised, than to brush them aside , or to generalize them or unwisely accuse all to be anti-Moroccan, anti-Muslim, with no logic, sense or sensibility but with insolent and vagabond attitude, is not befitting for an gentleman.

I assure you my experience is not a lie or false in any form or manner, and seeing how many others non-white UK citizens are also informing of their experience.

If this person who uses alternative pseudonyms 'John Duqesa" aka 'John W' is a white person, naturally he will not have the same experience as non-white UK/EU nationals have had.

Facts have been written by people from their experience. If one does not agree, so as to call one a liar, then one is provoking one and so causing mischief.

I can assuredly says on the areas of the conduct of the airport officials esp the females to NON-WHITE and FEMALES persons from UK/EU is clearly evident, the former myself being non-white.

If the person with "John" is white and male, then of course, naturally he will not be inappropriately handled by the female officers as numerous women here are complaining, nor to be asked if he is "Pakistani" or "African" being non-white.

I know 100%, if I were white skinned and being still of the male gender, I would have had no problems, and if I do not use empathy and think in someone else's shoes, would also unwisely jump to the conclusion, skewing over the array of voices of bemusement here on this site, that they are wrong, and then with no reason, basis, accuse all of being anti-Muslim, anti-Moroccan, to people who booked a holiday, hotel and voluntary went to Morocco to enjoy the country as a guest, only to be treated with vilification on the basis of their skin colour - this is wrong.

Be it may happen in other nations, that your acquaintance raised and you took the time to write here, is irrelevant - this website is not a forum as you 2 have hijacked as so, but as a "Passenger Feedback" of people's experiences - good or bad.

No one here has criticized Morocco - the land, culture, the public, but the officials.

Please comprehend this. If you and "John" does not respect the objective comments by those here, best to keep ones provocative and irking comments to oneself, or convey them on your playground forum on your other website to your hearts content, backbiting us, than to abuse and graffiti this "Passenger Feedback" with no Passenger feedback of one being at Menara Airport - neither of you have done so.

Thank you.

Ken (UK)

Thu, 30 May 2013, 1:53 pm

To Imran Khan: A little research shows 'John Duqesa' is indeed 'John W' and a regular contributor to the Trip Advisor forum, specifically on Morocco. His posts there show that anyone who criticizes Morocco in any way is quickly rebutted, therefore his posts here regarding other travellers' bad experiences at Menara airport as lies and untruths proves him to be very biased.

Imran Khan (UK)

Thu, 30 May 2013, 1:09 pm

@ John Duqesa (false name you use to hide your identity as clearly your a Moroccan and muslim from the way you write your ant-Israel racist comments intertwined with your insulting remarks, not appropriate for this page)

"To the person quoting the Rights of Man, grow up."

You clearly show clear mental immaturity and incompetence of the aim of this page is for "passenger feedback" - you do not respect what is written is clear and evident.

Do not be sexist also to refer to what I wrote as"rights of Man". I wrote in regards to rights of Humans i.e Male and female.
Your sexit bigot bias does no justice to your cad mischievous comments, not one relating to your comment which is not on your passenger feedback on at Menara Airport.

You clearly show lack the clear maturity to understand the difference to facts to hatred. No one here hates Morocco or its people - no one has made one comment on this, but on the service, quality and attitude of the police, customs, and passport officers. No more or less.

Shame you cannot also fathom such experience is not nice, unwarranted totally on selective sexism, racism by the officials.

It does not mean one hates Morocco or muslims as you unwisely accuse all of us.

Clearly people here liked morocco to have spent their hard earned money to go there as tourists, but suffer "courteous" humiliating, degrading, undiginfying treatment of the hands of the customs/police/passport officers esp clearly from many sources from non-white citizens of UK.

Your antagonistic rude uncivilized remarks does no justice to your Moroccan country with such remarks or to your faith, bring shame to fellow Muslims, to assume we are anti-Muslim, myself married to a Muslim and a Moroccan.

One last thing on your digressing prejudice comment on "Zionism":Muslims are not sent home from Israel - they treat them with the same deference as to a non-muslim when you arrive at their airport- all are treated the SAME under international law.

I personally do not write on other forums. Though if you kindly sent the of the forum you accuse us all to do so onto a forum, I will be more than obliged to inform all the horrendous attitude of the "top 10 African airport" Marrakesh. if you read the full report, is top 10 not terms of service, attitude and behavior from his obscure report, you retort with blind patriotism as you insult fellow Muslims as to be anti-Muslim. Shame on you and grow up please with a civil tongue and manners. You do no justice, if anything affirm what are all saying their experience at the airport with the Moroccan officials and/or their dire experience at the airport.

If you love your country Morocco, then you must not ignore such inhospitable service to your guests, than to spit at us. This is very irrational and illogical and most unwise and backward attitude. People like you bring shame to your country.

Remember we came to Morocco to enjoy as a guest in your country. for you to lambaste us for airing our clearly evident 1st hand traumatic experience in the hands of officials, shows contempt, lack of empathy, arrogant and blind cerebral cortex akin to an amoeba.
If you have any sense of decency, you will take back your vociferous unwarranted attack on those here humbly and apologize as a good human being, as your faith would ask to do so, than to do sin from your evil comments.

John Duqesa (UK)

Thu, 30 May 2013, 12:13 pm

To Clive Osborne on his specific point:--

"the woman brought the duty free at gatwick and was bringing it back in her suitcase which Ive done many times"

Yes, I catered for that possibility in my post.

So you too, as this woman did, have broken the law "many times"? What a pity that your alcohol has not been spotted and removed as any inflammable materials are (or should be) removed from hold baggage. Even matches are liable for removal - I had some that I'd forgotten in Helsinki removed from my suitcase and a gentle printed reminder of the rules placed on top of my clothes, where I'd be sure to see it.

So the woman's booze bottles weren't "stolen", they were removed for safety reasons.

Get it?

John Duqesa (UK)

Thu, 30 May 2013, 11:54 am

More nonsense posts about stolen luggage, inappropriate searching and racism.

To the person whining about a Frenchwoman pushing in, make a fuss, push right back in front of her. Get some assertiveness training when you're in the UK.

To the person quoting the Rights of Man, grow up.

To the person stating he was misinformed about duty free allowances, well tough Cheddar. Don't you know the allowances for your own country? If not, you're the one to blame for your "financial loss", not the airport.

And to the Morocco haters here who also post on another forum, you're fooling nobody. What a pity your bile-filled hatred of Morocco can't be deleted on this site as it is on the other one.

Menara airport is rated as one of the top ten airports in Africa and has an efficient and courteous service.

Try visiting the Zionist Entity to learn the real meaning of intrusion, inappropriate searching and rudeness - and the likelihood of being sent home if you're a Muslim.

Maggie Francis (uk)

Thu, 30 May 2013, 11:22 am

The airport is nice.and small. But sadly like most visitors to morocco I was subject to bullying by a female officer. I am half jamaican and half Scottish. I clearly wrote my nationality as well as my origin. But was told I am not white Scottish but I am a black women from africa. What on earth is going on in that country? My god. Ive reported this to the british embassy in rabat and moroccan embassy in the uk. Both have apologised, but I wonder if anything will be done to control such racist behaviour.

Imran Khan (UK)

Thu, 30 May 2013, 8:40 am

@F noreen
I reply to your earnest request of wanting reassurance to go to Morocco.

I concur with ironically offical comment you received from Mr Jamal of the Moroccan Tourist Board, UK to NOT go to a country where the powers and police officials, impervious to civil and decorum, to non-white tourists from UK/EU with UK/EU passport and citizenship.

I like yourself and your dear family, dreamed for years to go to Moroccoo, having ready its great history, culture, cuisine since childhood. I was full of enthusiasm and full of titillation on my flight to Marrakesh awaiting what was to awe my senses.
I was in awe but not for the right reasons. For I was at a aghast treatment to tourists with such disparaging non-exuberance imperious passport and customs officers, washing away any good or positive mind to go to Morocco, not want to beckon into their country or having been there, once again. They do not reciprocate to any blithely countenance, but met with stern angry face, making one feel like a criminal or a schoolkid, and accept their inhuman behavior and attitude as being a guest in their country!

I have been to numerous countries, 3 continents - never have I ever experienced such insolent experience from those representing their country on official capacity.

I was so glad to be back in UK, and did not miss Morocco at all and regretted ever going.

I also do not recommend to drive on the motorways, for myself and seen another German tourist, are stopped by the Gendarmerie police. Who on seeing one is a tourist ask for 300dh for some flimsy excuse and never give a receipt, nor their name or number also!

They knowingly target tourists knowing they can get away with it.

It is a lawless land where the people live in fear of the police and those with power. I say this with no exaggeration, for it is clearly evident away from the "dazzle" of the touristic areas, where you will be ripped off for being a tourist.

I recommend if you wish to visit far better country - would be Turkey, Tunisia or Malaysia.

Morocco is not a typical Arab country in 21st century for a non-white tourist with UK passport to go, unless you will not mind to be treated sub-human and 3rd class by the passport, customs or traffic police - legal mafia I call them in Morocco.

Sorry to disappoint you F noreen, but this is what I and many others I know directly and indirectly suffered great indignation that I can now 1st hand also be on the bandwagon to vehemently say to not go to Morocco at any cost esp. if your a non-white UK/EU citizen.

F noreen

Wed, 29 May 2013, 5:04 pm

I have just rang this telephone number and have spoke to a mr -jamal- he states I SHOULD NOT GO! I advised him of this page which conveniently he has never heard of! THIS IS THE MORROCAN TOURIST BOARD IN THE UK! I am a fourth generation British Pakistani and after reading all these comments I've been very put off visiting marrakech . but my family has been planning this trip over 2 years and really wanted to go . I'm terrified of the thought of going now. Not even booked it yet. I need some reassurance

Imran Khan (UK)

Wed, 29 May 2013, 12:30 pm

To complaint about the passport and custom officers, along with any issues on your holiday, email Mr Amine Boughaleb, UK Director of Moroccan Tourism Board at:

amine@morocco-tourism.org.uk

I called them today (on 0207 437 0073) and informed them of the numerous problems noted by many on this page, and my own horrendous experience. They said that this is not allowed.
They profusely apologized for my experience that they were never aware such incidents happened at their airports to tourists!
I was asked to tell in full, in writing to the Director.
PLEASE E-mail The UK Director of Moroccoan National Tourist Board with full details, so they can investigate.
PLEASE get the names of the staff who you wish to complain - they are legally obliged, under Moroccan Law, to give their name and number.
S.Wood is correct - must report this to higher authorities.
PLEASE E-mail your experience to the above email ASAP please.
Thank you.

toff (UK)

Fri, 17 May 2013, 1:09 pm

service in that airport is crap to be honest i was waiting almost 1 hour to get passport controlled and that lady in passport control she was asking lots question even she was really rude and she did throw my passport after stamped it great service wot else u can ask for ehh ?

another thing i just dont understand why there are more than 10 passports control in that airport and only 2 of them are working even in busy time .

S. Woods (London)

Thu, 16 May 2013, 3:44 pm

To all those travellers who have been subjected to rude, abusive and aggressive security staff at this airport: PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE complain in the most strongest terms to your airline, tour operator, travel agent and also to Mr. Lahcen Haddad, the Moroccan Minister for Tourism, otherwise such deplorable treatment will not be addressed. Complaints written on this page will go no further, people must take these matters higher or nothing will be done to rectify these situations. No one should be subjected to such humiliating and intrusive treatment.

C Williams (UK)

Thu, 16 May 2013, 1:19 pm

My experience of Morrocco was marred by the vile treatment I received in the security check on my exit from the county.

The body search was intrusive. My breasts were pushed and prodded and my crotch was touched. The strident female officer was so quick that it took me by surprise and it was only when she grabbed my trouser waist band and contemplated her next move that I stepped away. She hesitated, then pushed me further away indicating that she was finished. So rude, arrogant and so contemptuous. She knew, and I knew that her search was inappropriate. I felt that if I made a complaint then she had the power to make my passage through security even worse. I have never felt so violated, angry and powerless in all my life. I will never set foot in that country again.

While in the airport I wanted to write a complaint but there were no forms in the feedback stand and it wasn't obvious were to get more forms.

The airport immigration was tedious and slow and I would concur with all other negative comments in this forum.

The toilets are free, but the cleaners do stand in the doorways jingling their pockets which are full of change to indicate that a tip is required.

By contrast The Riad we stayed in was very friendly and caring.

The contrast between the two 'service' groups was immense. Those in the Hotel tourist industry know the value of customer service, those in positions of power couldn't care less about the tourist or visitor and treat them with arrogance and contempt, and those who sell to the tourists just want to rip you off.

Mohamed (Morocco)

Mon, 13 May 2013, 5:39 pm

Marrakech Menara Among the Top Ten Airports In Africa
http://www.moroccoenglish.com/?p=3270

John Evans (U.K)

Fri, 10 May 2013, 10:03 pm

Nice clean airport.
Thanks God, was AC - being 45 celcius outside.
Small airport, but nice and plenty of cheap car parking space (10dhirams/80p for 1 hour).
Quick to check-in with BA - nice smiling lady - no queue.
Quick to get through baggage check - simple and polite airport policeman.
Shopping area is clean and are plenty of good offers.
Wifi - but unable to connect.
Friendly groundstaff.
VERY RUDE PASSPORT FEMALE OFFICERS - They would intimidate, harangue, harrass all non-white brown/oriental passengers with British passport - even myself - I can confirm the feedbacks below, there is a problem for brown skinned/asian looking passengers with British passport - I saw one gentleman saying he was a lawyer and is illegal, as they tried to placate him for the insults he received from the female passport officer.
I had no problem with my luggage - was a 6 inch cut - but maybe due to another luggage.
Mixed feelings about my experience - would have been "Excellent/4 star" if I was not humiliated by the passport officers and seeing their aggressive insulting behavior to those who questioned.

We came from Italy, we had to wait about 20 minutes for the visa in the passport.
We did not have any kind of problem both incoming and outgoing.
The controls were very quick and I was quite surprised to see the feedback that I had read.

Imran Khan (England, U.K)

Sat, 20 Apr 2013, 11:15 pm

continued from last message, below, ....

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which falls under customary international law, and Morocco has signed upon independence in 1956, states:

...recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world.
—Preamble to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948

UDHR clearly states, that Morocco has signed and must accept the Moroccan Passport Police has failed clearly and violated:

“Article 1.
All human beings are born free and EUQUAL IN DIGNITY and rights.”

Article 2.
Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, WITHOUT DISTINCTION OF ANY KIND , SUCH AS RACE, COLOUR, SEX, LANGUAGE, religion, political or other opinion, NATIONAL OR SOCIAL ORIGIN, property, birth or other status. "

Is the King of Morocco aware that his Passport Police are breaking time and time again contrary to Moroccan, International and Human rights Law?

I was told to shut up many times by another man who sat next to the "chief".

I was told by this "chief" it is a normal question to ASK ALL what is their origin and I was not being picked on - this is a LIE, as 1) why is it not asked on the arrival card and 2) why I did not see white passengers being asked?
He changed his attitude as I was demanding his name, number and who to complain to.
I was told to forget the whole incident and I will never be asked again and a special 6 number followed by 2 letters, was stamped into my passport.

I was kept so late by such slow moving queues - 45 minutes to get to the passport cubicle and then 30 minutes arguing with the unprofessional uncivilized barbaric Passport officers and "chief" 1 hour those waiting for me were worried where I was and i missed collecting my checked luggage. A porter demanded 50 dhirams for keeping my bag.
I had a headache for 2 days from all this.

If the King of Morocco wants to double the number of tourists to Morocco by 2020, as I read he wishes to, he must be made aware the passport control officers are going to make the numbers go down not up, with such medieval barbaric attitude to guests who come in peace to enjoy this lovely country by the passport control officers.

The Tourist Board lacks awareness how to attract but are super to detract people esp non-Caucasian race is going the wrong by about it, with such racial profile discriminatory questioning and attitude.

I for one have will inform all my friends, work peers and all my clients never to come to Morocco - save your dignity and not be shamed and humiliated and better to go to Turkey, Egypt or Tunisia than to Morocco.

Please I request all who suffer to complain - the nice King must be made aware what his government and/or Passport officers are doing to ruin his plan and for us tourists to enjoy holiday here in Morocco and spend our money in this amazing country.

Imran Khan (England, U.K)

Sat, 20 Apr 2013, 9:32 pm

I first wish to say to those, including people below (Anushka, Dr Tahir Mohammad etc) who suffer racist discriminatory line of questioning of your origin and your family tree to please report this ASAP to the relevant authorities who I have had an an immediate response. Their contact details are:

I have reported my incident of racist insulting prejudice discriminatory line of questioning to myself as I arrived at the airport this week to ALL the above. I have had a response from the Moroccan Consulate only in London. They informed me that maybe it was a misunderstanding and should never have occurred. An investigation will be done by the appropriate authorities in Marrakesh.

THIS IS TOTALLY ILLEGAL LINE OF QUESTIONING AND OUT OF THEIR AUTHORITY BY THE MOROCCAN PASSPORT OFFICERS TO ASK SUCH LINE OF QUESTIONING TO THE TOURISTS. IT IS AGAINST INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS LAW.

To be treated like this is akin to how Nazi Germany, Gestapo and SS Police treated the Jews and Gyspies. It is TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE and Against Moroccan and International Law.

Is the Moroccan authorities living in 21st century or in 12th Century, to be bully, harass and interrogate brown skinned people with EU Passport, born in EU?

Does the Moroccan government and their great King who is wanting to increase tourism to his great and wonderful land, know what is happening that their passport officers at this airport are harassing and patronizing rudely to the guests who are brown skin, who come to their country from EU who are singled out for being not Caucasian? Are they living in Medieval world to not realize what world is mixed - as are even Moroccans - to not be aware England and many EU countries are mixed? Do they know that Mayor of London (Turkish origin), Prime Minister of UK (French origin) and even the Queen (German origin), are all 3-5th generation in UK? But they or any white American (all immigrants to USA) are white and white tourists are never asked this question as I am sad to see Anushka and her dear family had to suffer great indignation by the hands of the Passport officers as if they are terrorists, criminals, 3rd class sub-human.
I know one Black American Woman was harassed by the Passport controller not believe she is American! This is disgusting treatment - very barbaric and uncivilized. This is shame for all Morocco to treat brown skinned people from UK like this.
Please email ALL the above to complain and make them aware.

I myself - a British born Citizen - arrived at Marrakesh this week. I saw no other passenger - all white on my plane from London - was asked their origin - but when it was my turn and gave my British passport - the female passport controller changed from smile as she did to others and ignore my greeting and snatched my passport. She then asked me my origin? I demanded her name and who to complain. She asked me if I am Pakistani! What an offensive insulting suggestive answer! I told her this is against human rights law to ask and I refuse to answer and want her name and number. She marched me to the "chief" who was so bloody rude to shout at me if I do not tell I will be kicked out of Morocco. I then threatened to call British Embassy and demanded his name. He took me into his officer and ask me my origin - if Indian or Pakistani - I told him he has no legal right to ask me this question and is against human rights law that Morocco has signed to:
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which falls under customary international law, and Morocco has signed upon independence in 1956, states:

...recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world.
—Preamble to the Universal Dec

Hania

Thu, 18 Apr 2013, 4:01 pm

I read the previous comments and have to say that our experience was completely different. Arriving Marrakech we only waited about 5 min to clear the passport control. As there were two flight arriving at the same time new positions were being opened as we entered the hall..we were out through the customs no longer than 30 min after landing. On our way back check in with BA took no longer than 5 min.. Going through security, there were 2 positions for women and one for men. I don't think it took longer than 5 min and again same with the passport control..that was our second time flying out of Marrakech and our experience the first time was the same. I do hope it was more than just luck..

Anushka (UK)

Thu, 18 Apr 2013, 12:34 pm

Having read a few posts on this page after flying back from Marrakech Menara Airport I really have to say that I concur with most of the feedback given. I was particularly riled by the female security guards, both aggressively searching me, and then at border control where she demanded again and again to know 'what are your origins' and wasn't satisfied with my answer that I was born in the UK, and so were my parents. She went on extensively at me, refusing to stamp the 'out' stamp on my passport and thus allow me to pass, until I told her that my grandparents were born in Malaysia. Basically, I'm a woman of 3rd generation British-Born descent and she couldn't figure me out because I have an Asian look about me (I'm of mixed ethnic heritage) and decide to make this into an incredibly unpleasant and unnecessary interrogation...which was completely uncalled for!!
Queues were all slow moving, an inefficient system, and yes the guards all allowed people to queue-jump all the time without batting an eyelid. We had a great time in Marrakech though so I won't let this spoil the holiday.

Deano (UK)

Sun, 14 Apr 2013, 12:19 pm

Sounds like the fawlty Towers of Airports..will be on my best guard when i fly there in May

S M

Tue, 9 Apr 2013, 4:38 am

I really don't understand why people are reporting having to put their cabin baggage in with the checked baggage due to "the flight being very full" How can it be so full that the overhead lockers can't be used? The weight of the aircraft is the same if cabin bags are in the cabin or in the hold. Unless people are travelling with oversized/overweight cabin bags they can't possibly be asked to check in their cabin bag. If bags are oversize or overweight then the airline is perfectly within their rights to check them in due to them posing a safety risk in case of falling or not fitting inside the overhead lockers but this is true for all airlines not just those operating out of Marrakech. Other peoples thoughts on these "reports"?

adam (uk)

Sun, 7 Apr 2013, 9:04 am

I was planning to fly to Marrakesh,but after reading it all.....no way.

German tourist (germany)

Wed, 3 Apr 2013, 2:51 pm

Hello all and thank you for all these info.
i'd like to know when one lands in the evening at 21:40, if it takes long to get out of the airport (in case someone is waiting to pick us up).
Thank you in advance

RB (Coventry UK)

Sat, 30 Mar 2013, 7:09 pm

From reading some of the comments I was a little nervous about the things people were saying about their luggage being tampered with, especially finding reading these a day before I was due to leave Marrakech.

When I got to the airport the check in staff were generally nice and not racist at all like some people have mentioned. They were also quite quick with the whole process and were not majorly fussy with baggage.

After this we then had to go to passport control, the queues were extremely long as they looked to be very under staffed!!! Luckily we found a que where the control staff was quick.

Security checks were next and women and men were drawn to different queues. This process was quite quick and they were not too strict on looking in peoples hand luggage, although I would recommend you check your bags after going through the checks.

Our flight got delayed by two hours and we were very hungry and were looking forward to eating something nice but to our disappointment found the food places to be awful and didn't have much choice on their menus. The food was also very expensive, I paid £7 for a 6inch sandwich which went straight in the bin after one bite. It was disgusting!!!

One positive thing about the departure lounge is that they accept Dirhams, Pounds an Euro's, even though most things are advertised in Euros.

Overall I wouldn't worry too much from reading other reviews, especially about theft from belongings. After unpacking everything today I didn't find a single thing missing.

Robert Oldfield (London)

Sun, 24 Mar 2013, 8:21 pm

Just back from a short break in Marrakech.
In March 19 Out March 22 2013

Queues

IN - Over an hour to get through passport control. Not good - worse than Gatwick!!!
Once through we had to queue again to get currency. Only 1 exchange and 3 cashiers for a country with a closed currency!

OUT - More exchange tills available unfortunately they had run out of sterling. Great!! A closed currency and the best you can get is the Euro (at a less advantageous rate)and get left with Dirham small change....useful!

The queue for getting through Security was a JOKE.

1) Male and female queues but no advance warning or management. Some couples remained together in the fast moving male queue (despite being told by fellow travellers that there were male/female queues)and the females were then allowed to jump into the long and slow moving female queue.

I saw one French woman blatantly jump the queue Security - just allowed it.

Complaints to Security
and aiprot staff were ignored...not helped by my wife feeling unwell and left alone in a queue way behind me.

The metal detecting equipment dodn't work properly so everybody received a cursory body search and I mean cursory.

Awful experience.
Traveller Beware!

I hope somebody from the airport authority reads this page and acts on the problems.

I hoped to leave a suggestion at the airport but there was no paper or pens available at the suggestions box.

Dr Tahir Mohammad (GREAT BRITAIN)

Thu, 21 Mar 2013, 12:50 pm

In brief - rude, racist, incompetent, in contempt, complacent, terrible staff - checkin, security and passport control at this 4th World airport disguised in a modern building.

I am disgusted with the checkin staff for BA. So rude. They like to to have passengers beseech to let the same luggage they had approved from UK checkin. I had to suffer 3 x to show my hand luggage is fine and well. The man was so pedantic the 3rd time he came to check my hand luggage fit into the luggage box! I was 2kg over in checked luggage. He did not give any explanation but shout 23kg is limit, is poor English, not offfering where we go from here. After becoming irate, he let me through - why could he not have done this without such hassle? He would not smile, but smirk.
The passport control - all the time - are racist.

I am British, born and raised in UK. I have British Passport, but I am harassed by the rude brash sharp passport control if I am Indian or Pakistani. They will not let me through till they hear either. If not they think all brown skinned from UK must be from India or Pakistan. They never, as I saw, as origin to a white American - if they are German, Polish or Russian!

They ruin my experience in their nice country, that I cannot wait a second too soon to leave the country and arrive with all happy memories vanquished.

The staff get perverted sick pleasure to treat the tourists, as a cat plays with mice, with contempt, ridicule and superior-complex
It is the worst airport I have ever been to.
I concur, rude, uncaring complacent staff at the airport. Do not be deceived by the nice decor and the large new building, one will get proper decent service as in a civilized country.

Those who say they have no issues many times are lucky.

Luggage - The baggage handlers 100% tried to open my expensive locks to no avail and so cut open the side of the holdall - but as is multi-layered, could not get to my clothes and medical equipment. Do not be deceived by the superficial smiles and talkative Moroccans - are mostly bunch of cunning, thieves.
It is not an Arab or Mediterranean country but asking to Despot countries likes of Congo and Nigeria. Very corrupt country with no hospitality for tourists/guests.
I advise all brown skinned British citizens to be prepared for the insulting, racist passport control who in 21st century cannot understand a brown person can be British as London Mayor - who like myself is 4th generation British (but he is lucky to have white skin so no one will harangue him to say he is Pakistani/Indian).

Bloody awful in all aspects. Even the WIFI did not work despite being in the WIFI area. Pathetic airport, staff.

I would not even give it 1 star in the Rating.

M.Fess

Mon, 11 Mar 2013, 11:16 pm

Considering the various comments and postings, we were curious to have our own experience in Menara Airport.
Check-in was professional as on each other airport of the globe (speed could be discussed, but no particular issue). Security check was in queues for men and women and - particularly good - passengers had to proceed one by one with distance of descrition. Security staff was checking individually. Some women reported from a female officer who was unpleasantly harsh. However, no chance to pick whatever things from your personal belongings when passing the scanner.
Furthermore imigraions controlcorrect and friendly as much as the passengers in fromt of them.
It is funny to read comments about people who believe in local people giving advise on a foreign country customs rules and import restrictions. My opinion: it is always the passengers own responsibility.
(btw: washroom was free of charge and clean. Suitecases not broken (someting, I experienced already in ATL, CDG or SFO)

Sam Hutchings (Newcastle)

Sun, 3 Mar 2013, 7:15 pm

Not surprised to be honest as the sales staff are only concerned about making as much money as they can and couldn't care less about passengers, as evident from how tourists are fleeced and overcharged even in the most simplest of transactions. All the airport staff seem to have an attitude problem, from check-in staff to the toilet attendants. Customer service is certainly lacking, one way to make sure tourists do not return!

suzi cooke (England)

Sat, 2 Mar 2013, 10:30 am

PLEASE BE WARNED

Last night on my return to gatwick I was very badly advised by the marrekesh duty free representative on goods that can be taken home. the goods were seized, a caution given by HMRC and a big financial loss.

CHECK THOROUGHLY BEFORE PURCHASING AND MAKE AURE YOU DON'T LET THE SHOP USE ONE BOARDING CARD FOR ALL PUCHASES. AND DO NOT TRUST ADVICE FROM OFFICAIL STAFF

Nicholas Kerr (Australia)

Mon, 25 Feb 2013, 11:10 pm

Arrived a few hours early so we had plenty of time and wouldn't feel rushed. Our check in booth was already put up so we sat in the line until check in started not realising until everyone moved that they'd changed the booth. Not a biggy. Jumped in the new line and right before we are about to be served the guy decides to close our line, not a major problem but a bit annoying after he let a guy cut in front of us out of no where. When we got inside we were told we could only use Euros but there wasn't a cash machine inside. Trying to spend over the limit at one store she double charged us in a few items then when asked about this she said she couldn't refund it but we could take what we had paid for. The thing that really pissed me off though was the cleaning lady standing outside the toilet next to the sign stating "free toilet" shaking her hand filled with coins and stepping in front of my girlfriend and actually grabbing one girl by the wrist when she tried to exit and demanding payment. Normally I don't mind this but the sign makes it pretty obvious she is just ripping you off and she should really just be doing her job as there wasn't any toilet paper in the stalls we went into.

Adam Hasham (Singapore)

Mon, 18 Feb 2013, 5:48 pm

Hi,

We landed yesterday 17Feb13 at RAK on flight Royal Air Maroc (645) at 2:45pm.

I'm quiet certain that we had an ipad (inside a black leather case) packed in our check-in luggage. However, we cannot seem to find it.

Can you please let us know if anyone has found a black ipad in a black leather case? It has some very personal documents that we are very upset to have lost.

Thank you.

Anthony Field (London, UK)

Fri, 8 Feb 2013, 1:50 pm

I travel through RAK at least 6 to 8 times per year and have only ever had good experiences.

Why do people travel abroad at all if the hope/expect that their destination will be like Tunbridge Wells?

J. Lee (Southampton)

Thu, 7 Feb 2013, 6:12 pm

To Clive: I agree with you and I have also seen those posts you refer to on a certain website. It seems some people just cannot accept that there is good and bad in every country and 'John' wears rose tinted glasses when it comes to Morocco, according to him anyone who criticizes or has had a bad experience is lying or an idiot.

clive osborne (uk)

Thu, 7 Feb 2013, 5:51 pm

Cannot understand why this person thinks every one is lying but if you read his posts on another website he will not have anyone giving bad views on marrakech or moroccans he thinks they are all saints if he took time to actually read the post the woman brought the duty free at gatwick and was bringing it back in her suitcase which Ive done many times there's a big difference of bringing back a bit more booze than stealing from suitcases.No one should put electrical appliances in there suitcase with a battery that gives them the right to cut the lock off your case when its gone through the scanner you've only got to remember what happened lockerbie, so once the case is opened they can take what they want but to be fair that could happen at any airport.

John Duqesa (UK)

Thu, 7 Feb 2013, 12:56 am

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that I think some of the adverse comments on this feedback site are clumsy lies. How about this one?

" to find my checked in case had been broken into, the lock had been cut off and the suitcase locking mechanism broken. I discovered this upon landing at LGW at the luggage carousel My iPad, Bose speaker and unopened duty frees purchased on the way out were all stolen from my case"

Now, how on earth do goods purchased in Duty Free manage to get into hold luggage, which would've been checked in and not be with the passenger at Duty Free? Or does "on the way out" mean on the way to Morocco? In which case, the person has broken the law by putting duty free into checked baggage and it's subject to removal, especially if it happened to be alcohol.

How about this?

"My luggage was checked in along with 10 firearms. My luggage carried Lladro, and 4 Rolex watches. I arrived at my destination to find my luggage was gone. I complained to the baggage claim office, and they told me to file a claim. To this day, I have never recieved my goods. I hate them and I hope they all burn in hell!!!

Does this ring true? Was it satirical? That particular person alleged that he had 10 firearms in his luggage, 4 Rolex watches.and Lladro, which is delicate and expensive porcelain objects from a Spanish company, which for some reason he seemed to have with him in Morocco.

I don't believe a word of it.

While not wishing to minimise the pain and distress of those who truly have had goods stolen, I think something stinks about a lot of this feedback at the Menara Airport site.

What advice can people here give? I think that people should follow the guidelines of their insurance companies and the airlines and not put valuables in their hold baggage. Keep an eye on hand baggage at all times. There are no guarantees in life but sensible precautions go a long way!

John Duqesa (UK)

Wed, 6 Feb 2013, 10:26 pm

Here's some information from another site for those saying there is no lost and found and/or no lost-in-transit service:--

The airport has a 'litige bagage' for delayed, damaged and lost suitcases. 'Lost/found' property is operated by the police. The office is located in the arrivals passport control area. Those people who don't speak arabic or french may have had difficulty in discovering this.

Passengers who have had items stolen from their luggage at this airport need to complain in the most strongest terms to everyone concerned with tourism to Morocco, the airport, their airline carrier and also the Ministry of Tourism. Only then will they realise that these issues are affecting their tourist industry. Some years ago our flight from London to Fez had a stopover at Marrakech to allow the tourists to Marrakech to disembark. From our seats we could see the luggage being offloaded and were shocked to see the baggage handlers putting their hands into the outside pockets of any bags and rucksacks, obviously trying to find anything worth stealing. Please do not keep quiet about this, report it!

Ramona (Australia)

Fri, 18 Jan 2013, 6:51 am

Thanks to your comments, I have decided not to come to Morocco. I had a flight scheduled for today, everything booked. I don't think I will visit Morocco at all unless something significantly changes.
I've been to India several times and I thought everybody needs to exercise caution, but Morocco sounds really awful. I'm not sorry at all.

LM (UK)

Mon, 31 Dec 2012, 4:37 pm

Marrakesh Airport - December 2012
Both myself and my colleague (both female, both over 40) were sexually assaulted by the female security officer instead of having a proper thorough body check after going through the metal detector. Only our breasts and groins were touched, no other part of the body was touched. Checking for concealed contraband/weapons did not appear to be of interest. I was annoyed, so I stood somewhere obvious and watched the security woman for a few minutes - she continued the same method with all the women after me, until she noticed I was watching, whereupon she made the most ridiculous attempt at a less offensive check by simply stroking down the fur edging on the woman's coat. I don't believe the security woman had any training at all in how to do such checks. And from discussions between them, I can only assume the female checking the x-ray machine was in collusion.

Z Barlow (Stoke on Trent, England)

Tue, 18 Dec 2012, 1:40 pm

The airport itself was extremely slow. They wouldn't open our check in gate (for Manchester) until they had processed all the other flight (London) even though we were flying at the same time.

In security this wasn't busy yet they seemed to stop and search every passenger and many people's hand luggage.

Airside the toilets were monitored and demanded money for by the staff outside. The shops sold all the same tat at the usual rip off prices and the food was only available in local currency.

Arriving at our home airport out luggage (suitcase) appeared open. We thought nothing of it until we got home and opened the bag. Make up cases had been opened and jewellery (pandora beads, necklace and earrings) was missing along with an electric shaver. Insurance company didn't want to know as these should have been in your hand luggage yet reading previous post I wouldn't want to.

Over all I'd avoid this airport like the plague. It's such a shame that we can't return to Marrakech due to its airport!

Giovanni serra (ITALY)

Tue, 11 Dec 2012, 1:59 pm

Modern and clean building.
At the information desk I found nice, helpful and smiling girls. No problem at the passport control, where there was enough number of policemen.
I would like to thank the policemen, who found my tablet I'd forgotten on a seat of the hall.
I've been impressed by the personnel who was polishing the base of the wooden planters.

I am deeply sadened and surprised by the negative comments written by so-called tourists who judge a place superficially rather than making their opinion after through experiences.
The unbelieveable experiences one can face in MKK(marrakech) stand on the top of a Tourist life. ONLY if he has the eye of an eagle and capable of looking beyond what is apparant to the naked eye.
MKK is a fantasy world with an endless boundry. That is a place which will make the world's ugliest and useless guy feel like Brad Pitt.
Even if you are a bald guy you will be made feel like as if you have soft shiney hair. Even if you have tons of fat on you belly you will be made feel like as if you have six-pack. That is a place where you will be driven around by girls in X7.Cut the long story short, this is a place where YOU can be a rock star.
Such a place is worth losing iphads, iphones,cameras, laptops,jewlry, watches or any other precious materialistc thing for.
So stop moaning and complaining and embrace the fantasy world with open arms.

R Smith (Great Britain.)

Sat, 8 Dec 2012, 8:45 am

Just flown back from Menara airport yesterday, no problems with security staff or baggage scanning.

Nick (UK)

Sun, 2 Dec 2012, 5:05 pm

I have booked a holiday to Marrakesh and am due to go in 8 days. After reading these horror stories i am seriously considering abandoning the trip. I'm not going to tolerate thieving idiots steal my camera and my laptop. Not only do they cost a fortune, but they are also a lasting memory. If this carries on, then i feel that this place is going to be left with no tourists. Now the question is.. to go? or not to go??

Yoko (Japan)

Thu, 29 Nov 2012, 12:44 pm

Avoid this airport if you can. This is the worst airport I've ever been to. My flight to Portugal was delayed by 4 hours, but no one in the airport bothered to provide reasons for the delay. Airport staff members were just sitting around, not bothering to provide any help to the worried passengers. They have so little concern for passenger comfort or saftey. I was actually sent outside to the airport ground unattended. There were a dozen planes lined up on the ground. I could have easily walked up to a wrong plane or wandered off to the runway. Finally when I boarded the plane, the pilot provided a formal apology the passengers. Even he was appalled that no one at the airport bothered to provide any explanation for the delay or providing sufficient assistance to the passengers.

Peter Tyrrell curtis (England)

Sat, 24 Nov 2012, 3:31 pm

This airport should be avoided the security staff are thieves and in it together. I had read the previous comments and was very careful but I put my iPad and iPhone in my hand luggage it was zipped closed. I put it thru the scanner no customer in front as I then walked thru body check I was told to step aside I was frisked even though it did not bleep I then turned and the zip was undone and my iPhone gone I confronted the guard who laughed told me to go and get on your plane unless you want trouble total scum the lot of them would never return to this den of thieving scum bags be warned

Jim Fields (San Francisco)

Wed, 21 Nov 2012, 1:42 am

My luggage was checked in along with 10 firearms. My luggage carried lladro, and 4 Rolex watches. I arrived at my destination to find my luggage was gone. I complained to the baggage claim office, and they told me to file a claim. To this day, I have never recieved my goods. I hate them and I hope they all burn in hell!!!

Unhappy tourist (London)

Sun, 18 Nov 2012, 2:30 am

I will never return to Morocco or pass through this airport ever again. After having my bracelet snatched off my hand by the henna ladies in the square on my holiday, I had the second shock only to find my checked in case had been broken into, the lock had been cut off and the suitcase locking mechanism broken. I discovered this upon landing at LGW at the luggage carousel. My iPad, Bose speaker and unopened duty frees purchased on the way out were all stolen from my case. I was one of 18 others who all experienced the same fate. Marrakech airport declined it was anything to do with them and haven't helped one bit, even to give me a crime reference number to make an insurance claim. Disgraceful! I hope this puts people off from visiting Marrakech, it has me!

Emily crescenzo (London)

Wed, 24 Oct 2012, 9:00 pm

I'm scared to go now, got tickets booked for this weekend,. Not sure

Ryan (Sweden)

Mon, 15 Oct 2012, 11:58 am

I think alot of the comments and alot of the incidents that has been described here could have easily been avoided, if they had only kept all their valuable things in their carry-on bag. Keep them there and nothing will get stolen. Who puts their mobile phones, jewlery, ipads & iphones in their checked-in luggage? thats just stupid no matter which airport your travelling to. Put them in your handbag and you will be fine.

Jacky Watkins (London)

Wed, 26 Sep 2012, 12:32 pm

I travel to Mrrakech airport every year and the passport control is always slow, it needs to be sorted out! I nearly missed my flight because of this and they just don't care. Also check-in staff always have different rules to what the airlines state!!!

Natalia E

Mon, 13 Aug 2012, 10:39 pm

We had no problems with luggage-anyway we didnt have any valuable things inside. The airport closes in the morning hours but u can sit outside.

THE PROBLEM is that you cannot take any pictures! we took few with my sister before departure and the security guide DELETED all because he appeared in the background! i think its kinda rude.
THE other PROBLEM was that the lady at the control was touching me inappropriately!!!

The management of the airport should take care of this!

Bernard Garrett (London)

Wed, 25 Jul 2012, 8:46 pm

I've to to RAK 5 times, absolutely No problem. Sometimes long queues at Passport Control on arrival. Otherwise a Normal airport experience.
The moral is travel light and don't put anything in a suitcase that you can't afford to lose. Surely the same applies to Thiefrow and Gatpick?

Mi Au (Germany)

Thu, 21 Jun 2012, 8:18 am

We had absolutely no problems at this airport arriving and departing there within the last week. They do make you get a silly stamp from the checkin counter even though we were already checked in online but that was just a minor hassle. It is unclear why they post the number of the gate your flight leaves from so late, but these are all not real problems.

serena white

Tue, 19 Jun 2012, 3:25 pm

Why the authorities do nothing to stop all this happening? These comments have put me and my family off from ever going to Morocco.

Liz (London)

Mon, 18 Jun 2012, 2:24 pm

The airport looks nice, but there is no Airport Lost and Found so if you have anything lost or stolen there is no where to go to collect it or to provide your insurance company with details. The airline and the information desk are both immensely unhelpful and don't want to help in anyway.

Sam (United Kingdom)

Sun, 17 Jun 2012, 2:10 am

I had my I pad and a lot of Moroccan money at least 250GBP, and received my baggage as I left it. I even put my I pad in my baggage last minute next to the baggage check-in. My suitcase had no lock on it what so ever so i doubt its an organised crime. I loved the new airport design it was amazing!! Only draw back is the tedious security section.

Timequest

Sat, 9 Jun 2012, 9:27 am

What is the time? The webpage where the airport is referring us to says there is no daylight saving? Ryanair and google says there is daylight saving in Marrakech in 2012.

Feargod Ogop (Kenya)

Thu, 7 Jun 2012, 6:27 pm

It is amazing to hear that Menara Airport is so dangerous for theft and bureaucracy!! I planed a trip to Marrakesh next year but I have changed my mind!!

Victim (NL)

Mon, 4 Jun 2012, 9:39 pm

I don't believe this, I seems that it happens often. I've the same experience as Stefan described on 22 may. I had a flight on 23 may flight 19:05 to Amsterdam and the lady at the boarding gate told me that the there was no room for cabine handluggage and my handluggage can be put for free as cargo luggage. I agreed, thinking that I only had some food and dirty clothes in it, but I forgot my camera was in my handlugage. When I arrived in Amsterdam, my lock was gonne and camera was stolen. It was an old camera luckely, but the photos and memories are the taken with it.......

Stefan (UK)

Tue, 22 May 2012, 6:58 pm

At check in on todays 10:50 flight to Gatwick we were told we could not take hand baggage on board because the flight was full so our cases had to go in the hold.

We took out most valuables, netbook, kindle, jewellery etc. but omitted a small camera and some silver souvenir jewellery.

When we got home and opened our cases it was obvious they had been opened. Cosmetic bags open, parcels torn. Our camera with all our holiday photos and some silver jewellery was missing.

As the plane was not full and there was plenty of space in the overhead lockers it sounds like this is an organised racket Marrakech airport.

Normally we would not have risked any valuables in our checked in luggage but standing at the check out desk with a long queue behind we had to think quickly and just managed to take out the most valuable items.

In view of the ealier comments on this page, this is a racket that the authorities are aware of but not doing anything to sort out!

Why do you allow this to happen?

Jay Cao

Tue, 15 May 2012, 11:25 am

my sunglasses was stolen from my check-in luggage! I can't believed it! And to make it worse, it was Easyjet who told me that I have to check-in my carry on because the airplane was full! This place is full thieves, be careful.

NA (USA)

Sun, 6 May 2012, 6:00 pm

myself and all of my family got touched in private places by the security services staff. my apple iPad got stolen and also my sunglases i will never go back to this airport ever again it was awful!!!!

Today we took easyjet flight at 8.40 to Malpensa. The only bug at the gate www my girlfriend putting the wallet in the bag and be stopped her telling that They would send it because it was too big. When we landed the money were stolen. I Know WHO bad been how can i tell it to the Police?

Simon (United Kingdom)

Sat, 11 Feb 2012, 8:01 pm

We have just got back from Marrakech (easyjet) yesterday 10th Feb 2012. My partner put her camera in the hold luggage. Camera stolen!

wolters (NL)

Wed, 8 Feb 2012, 1:21 pm

By phoning to the airport, only waiting. Nobody knows something.

MAR who does the luggage for Ryaniar, not to be connected with.
Yet4you does not have a emailadres

brian chivers

Wed, 8 Feb 2012, 1:01 pm

im travelling to marrakech in three weeks and was a little put off at reading about the thef's thanks for the onfo!

Vale (Vail)

Fri, 27 Jan 2012, 4:57 pm

If you are placing electronics and jewelery into your checked luggage, especially in places like Africa, then you are a fool. Sorry if you lost your iPad, but it should have been with you on the plane. Geez.

Rafiq mulls (Manchester England)

Mon, 16 Jan 2012, 12:09 am

I would like to add that there are thieves at the airport. My checked in luggage was broken into and my apple iPhone was stolen from it. I just can't understand that how can an international airport tolerate with these kind of complaints regarding theft from checked in luggage.Why are the authorities not doing anything regard to these thefts, also how come the government are not looking in to these kind of regular complaints. It is very very sad that these kind of people are allowed to work at these places just very sad.

Ptere de Jager

Wed, 11 Jan 2012, 10:51 pm

Thanks guys for the warnings.

A Runnells (USA)

Mon, 26 Dec 2011, 10:56 am

Being an American I guess I didn't understand that airports could be corrupt but I was shown just how that works at Menara Airport. I had a watch that was a Christmas present for my brother, my American smartphone, and several other small things stolen from my checked luggage. If they want tourists to keep coming back to keep their economy up, they might want to treat them a little better. That's enough to make me think twice about Morocco int he future.

EKATERINA DOMBROVSKAYA (VALENCIA)

Fri, 9 Dec 2011, 12:32 am

When I was flying back to Valencia on 22, November, 2011 (flight FR7227), my climbing robe were confiscated by airport security official. We´ve checked the matter with Ryanair and the robe is NOT forbidden. I want you to send me the robe back, please. The security official women noted down my name, flight number, so I guess she understood her fault (just didn´t want to recognize it when I was there) and I hope the climbing robe will be sent back to me. Thank you.

I don't think that the security was really good because I had lot's of metal things on me and the detector didn't pick it up. There wasn't anyone doing body checks and it was a bit of a joke really.

Sasha Symonds (Australia)

Tue, 23 Aug 2011, 11:26 am

Whilst i enjoyed my stay in Marocco I was extremely upset by the security screen at the airport. I've been through dozens of security pat downs at dozens of airports on 5 continents. I was handled and touched inappropriately by the staff. I tried to complain and they told me it was because they were searching for drugs. I was never offered a private room to be searched in, and feeling someones private parts in public is unacceptable in any culture or city irrespective of the drug/security concerns. If this is a necessary security check there needs to be separate rooms for it to be done, or I need to be asked permission before publicly humiliating me.

hampsink (belgium)

Thu, 18 Aug 2011, 3:13 pm

Beware of risks of theft of special goods from your suitcase after check in. I had a pc tablet hidden between laundry in my suitcase. After returning home the pc tablet was disappeared Only a plastic bag in which I had put it was on top of everything in the suitcase. Nothing else was stolen. And looking into the suitcase I could not have an empression that one reaaly had been looking/searching for something.This must be organised crime. otherwise you cannot detect such a pc tablet in a closed suitcase

Ben Anderson (England)

Sun, 14 Aug 2011, 11:45 am

Great to have a smoking area after security - thanks!

Paul Jansen (The Netherlands)

Wed, 22 Jun 2011, 6:52 pm

Be aware of your valuable belongings in your suitcase on this airport. The jewelry of my wife, hidden in a well tied purse in the toilet case, was stolen out the suitcase after check-in. The jewels were probably detected while scanning the suitcase. This looks like organized crime.
A message to the airport carrier Royal Air Marroc about this remained unanswered.

Flora (England)

Fri, 28 Jan 2011, 4:11 pm

Passport Control is unacceptably slow and bureaucratic, and needs to be speeded up. The information recorded on your fiches is pointless.

The lounge before Passport Control, with musicians, henna tattoos and small shops, is wonderful - I just wish it was on the other side after Passport Control, so we could have stayed longer.

chiara morandini (italy)

Thu, 27 Mar 2008, 10:09 am

I can't find the name of the designer of the new terminal at Menara Airport: can you help me? I liked it very much..

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